Issue2

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the VOLUME #54 ISSUE 2

Can the delicious delight really kill your respiratory system?

High: 59

Low: 78

LUNCHTODAY

Spaghetti w/ wheat breakstick w/ meat or marinara sauce Chicken fillet on bun Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Yogurt w/ Pretzel

703-642-4229

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2007

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A FEW NEW FALL T.V. SPECIES PREVIEW Photo travels to

REFORM YOUR IMAGE

THE POPCORN LUNG

Mostly Sunny

700 Medford Dr. Annandale, VA 22003

10-11

4-5

WEATHERTODAY

ANNANDALE HIGH SCHOOL

the Galapagos to gather footage of animals seldom seen

How pop culture is increasing the pressure to change your appearance

Entertainment discusses whatʼs hot and whatʼs not for this fallʼs primetime line-up.

Hispanic heritage celebrated

COPING WITH

CONGESTION

BY KYLE KNOCHE Copy Editor Five members of the Hispanic Leadership Club went to Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. to participate in a discussion on social affairs pertaining to Hispanic Americans with the school’s Latino Student Association, a primary theme of which was how their lives are impacted by being children of immigrants.

It was a panel discussion moderated by Jennifer Carrey, the advisor of the Hispanic Leadership Club at AHS. “Being a child of immigrant parents makes me more motivated and I strive to succeed in school and in other places,” said senior Carlos Galicia, a member of the Hispanic Leadership Club who made the trip to Sidwell Friends School, “I realize that not everyone has the same chances as I have.”

This discussion coincided with National Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration that began on September 15, which is a monumental date in Hispanic culture because it is the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Additionally, both Mexico and Chile commemorate their independence during the month of September. The tradition of celebrating a Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1988 after President Reagan expanded it from Hispanic Heritage Week.

“I think it is a good thing that the country actually has a month to recognize [Hispanic culture],” said senior Mayra Cardenas. “This is a diverse country and it’s nice to acknowledge other cultures.”

NEWSBRIEFS Atom Branch open for business

PAUL MATHIS

The Apple Federal Credit Union branch is now open on all white days during all four lunches excluding Mondays.

The Atom Branch is run by the Advanced Accounting students.

Barely squeezing by. . .

First Varsity math meet today after school

Students and teachers at AHS pack the halls between classes. The largest freshman class in AHS student history means more students and less space. “You end up bumping into everyone all the time,” said sophomore Analucia Dvando, “I get really confused somtiemes.”

Ample facilities face the test of numbers

BY PAUL MATHIS Co-Editor in Chief “We need bigger hallways, if possible, because all of these people are making it harder to get to class,” said senior Sadhana Rampersad.

Sound familiar?As the 2007-2008 school year gets underway, students are beginning to experience more and more the crush of the AHS population change that is currently underway. As the largest Freshman population in history is gracing the hallways to this date, students are finding everything from bathroom lines to lunch lines stretching for what seem like miles.

Some students take pride in numbers. “I think it’s great that we’re the largest class in history,” said Diana Anaz, freshman.

Others aren’t as satisfied.

“Lunch lines are getting ridiculously long,” said Rampersad.

“And during lunch time the bathrooms are packed.”

Many students feel the same. Students from all grade levels expressed similar sentiments about struggling to make it to class and wading through crowds. These students may feel even more pressure in their classrooms, as classroom leveling began on Sept.

24. 400 student schedules will be changed and classroom sizes will temporarily increase.

“It’s way too many people,” said Frankie Feia, sophomore. “It takes too long to get to class and then you have to get yelled at by teachers for being late. When you go to lunch, the hallways are really crowded and then the lines are huge – so I only get about 10 minutes to eat.”

CPP Applications due Recruitment for the College Partnership Program for the 07-08 school year has started. Students who wish to join must have their applications in by October 31.

Applications can be obtained from Mrs. Roth.

Bus trip to Radford University Open House

Technology takes over

BY MOHAMAD ELBARASSE Co-Editor in Chief

The Office 7%

This survey was distributed on Sept. 14 during B, C and D lunch. Of 500 surveys distributed, 417 were completed and returned for inclusion in this graph.

“If you leave me now, you’ll take away the biggest part of me,” the great band, Chicago, once said in one of their famous songs. For theAHS MarchingAtoms, these lyrics appear to have taken on a new meaning after the participation in the band declined by nearly 30 people this year.

The drop in members caused the band to be reclassified from a 4A to a 3A band. The different levels affect the sizes of the other bands that theAtoms compete against, yet has no effect on the prestige of the band.

This year, freshmen now comprise a third of the entire band.

“It happened once before [a drop in attendance of the band], but it wasn’t quite to this level,” said Director Jack Elgin. “We just work around it, make the best of it, and move on.”

The large amount of people that left from the marching band has had several effects on the band this year.

“We simply do not have enough veterans to counter the large amounts of rookies in the band,” said senior Ryan Schaedel.

“Marching Band” continued on page 5

COURTESY KAREN EPLEY

Heroes

Prison Break 11%

9%

Greyʼs Anatomy 11%

Lost 12%

House

What show are you most looking forward to in the fall season?

15%

Hispanic Leadership students participate in a bonding activity at the beginning of a meeting

“Congestion” continued on page 5

BY GREG YOUNG AND BROOKE BARLOWE Sports Editor and Staff Writer

Fall T.V. Survey

Other

“Heritage” continued on page 3

Marching band deals with loss

On Saturday Nov. 10, there will be a bus trip to the Radford University Open House for all interested students. Buses will depart from four different locations in Northern Virginia.

Parents, family and high school staff are also welcome. For more information ask Mrs. Roth in the Career Center or you guidance counselor.

35%

“Things get really crazy between classes,” said Jocelyn Elcorrobuarrutia, junior. “it seems like everyone is going to the same place at the same time. It’s hard to get anywhere.”

Students have different methods of dealing with wall to wall coverage, but most employ some form of physical contact.

“At the end of every class period, it is a fight,” said Josoa Molina, sophomore. “When I’m in the hallways I really have to push people around in order to show them whose boss. The freshmen are pretty easy.”

“You end up bumping into everyone all the time,” said Analucia Dvando, sophomore. “I get really confused sometimes.”

Hallways between classes are not the only sights of increased congestion and discombobulated students. However, in other areas, there are mixed reviews, especially in classrooms.

Some students, like Molina, experience classrooms that are sated to the point where instruction becomes difficult to follow.

“There are a lot of people in all of my classes,” he said. “People who really want to pay attention move to the front of the classroom, but I just sit in the back and relax.”

As might be assumed, Molina explains that he does not get a lot of one on one time with his teachers. “It’s hard to get in touch with my teacher,” he said.

Catherine Nguyen, junior, expressed similar sentiments. “In my W2 class there aren’t enough desks for everyone,” she said.

Elcorrobarrutia disagrees. “My classes aren’t really that crowded. It seems like there is enough space for everyone.”

PAUL MATHIS

The first varsity math meet will be held today directly after school in the cafeteria. Any student enrolled in Algebra II Honors or higher is eligible to compete. Participants must be seated by 2:10 p.m.

Peter Epley and band students backstage before a concert. This year, the band lost nearly 30 people. “A lot of us are frustrated with the lack of retention of rookies,” said junior drum major, Kate Salpini.

Click! Goes the mouse in Mary Ann Richardson’s AP Government class as she moves on to the next slide in her powerpoint.

Richardson has converted all her lesson plans into powerpoint format to keep up with the ever evolving technological world.

Technology is taking over AHS from the classroom, to the computer lab, to the way teachers evaluate their students.

AHS is also advancing technologically by offering yearbooks online. This way students or parents can pay for the yearbook with credit cards and fill out all the appropriate information from the comfort of their own home. The yearbook staff hopes to sponsor a schoolwide session to introduce students to the online application held today during W2.

“We wanted it to be online this year,” said senior Linda Nguyen, “we wanted to expirement with the new software our publishing company, Walsworth, has added. It eliminates the middle man, so it will be easier for us to keep track of orders.”

“Technology” continued on page 5

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EDITORIALS

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Gloomy Ramadan tales of pain While it should be a month of celebration, for Palestinians,Ramadan highlights their hardships

The A-Blast Q& A Q: What are the goals of The ABlast?

A: The A-Blast strives to inform, educate, and entertain its readers.Additionally, The A-Blast attempts to provide content that is both interesting and relevant to AHS and the surrounding community.

Q: How is The A-Blast run?

A: The A-Blast is a publication that is entirely produced by AHS students. Staff members provide content ideas, design layouts, write stories, take pictures and edit their own work. Though The A-Blast has an adviser, Alan Weintraut, his job is simply to oversee production and provide helpful pointers to staff members.

Ultimately all decisions are made by the students.

Q: Can I contribute to The A-Blast if I am not on staff?

A: All AHS students are welcome to submit content ideas to The A-Blast at any time. Additionally, any one interested in contributing either stories or pictures to The A-Blast is welcome to do so as well, however all contributions will be reviewed for relevance to the newspaper by the editors.

Q: When is The A-Blast published?

A: Every three weeks, The A-Blast is distributed on white days during the first flex period. Typically TheA-Blast is distributed on either a Tuesday or a Wednesday. If for some reason you do not receive a copy on distribution day, or you need a few extras, large red bins are filled with the remaining copies of the paper. These bins are located in the jock lobby, the main lobby, cafeteria lobby and next to the publications lab.

Q: How do you choose the content for The A-Blast?

A: TheA-Blast staff determines the content based on timeliness, relevance to student life and entertainment value. Before every issue, the staff meets to determine what stories will be appropriate for the upcoming issue.

Q: How does The A-Blast respond if they make a mistake?

Arab- Israeli Conflicts in Ramadan •September 28, 2000 •March- April 2002

BY AMINA MOHAMED Editorial’s Editor The face of Abdul-Razeq, 39, exuded joy when he learned that the person knocking at his door was an employee of Al-Salah charity association, which offers financial and material assistance to poor families and orphans in the Gaza Strip.

The employee did not disappoint him; he gave him a voucher with which he could receive food packages for his family, consisting of 11 individuals, throughout the holy month of Ramadan from the association’s headquarters near his home in Birkat Wiz in central Gaza.Abdul-Razeq and the members of his family fully depend on food packages distributed by charity associations.

Abdul-Razeq, who works as a janitor in the Gaza municipality, has not received his salary for eight months due to the municipality’s deficit, just like dozens of his colleagues. For tens of thousands of poor in Gaza, the month of Ramadan is associated with aid provided by Islamic charity associations.

Ali Nassar is Al-Salah association’s official for the central region of Gaza. His association has collated the names of needy families and begun to distribute food packages to them.

Lowered purchasing power of Palestinians is one of the most visible signs of economic decline during Ramadan

•September 29, 2004

•November 28, 2006

The core of racism and war runs deep, but must be exposed and combatted

BY AMINA MOHAMED Editorial’s Editor Racism is, among many things, convenient. It provides simplified, definite and ready-to-serve answers to complex and compounded questions. Racists, in turn, come from all walks of life; their motivation and the root causes behind their contemptible views of others may differ, but the outcome of these views is predictably the same, racial discrimination, social and political oppression, religious persecution and war.

The textual definition of racism pertains only to race, but in practice racism is a consequence of the thoughts of a group, whereby a group of people decides to designate itself as a collective and starts delineating its relationship with other collectives or other people in general with a sense of supremacy. When coupled with economic and political dominance, supremacy translates into various forms of subjugation and cruelty.

It is also pertinent to stress that the need for this negative group designation is not always as straightforward as “black” and “white.” For example, less economically advantaged Eastern Europeans seeking employment in Western Europe find themselves lumped in the same group and subject to all sorts of classifications.

Ironically, an extreme form of racism also exists in variousArab countries where foreign workers find themselves placed in a demeaning hierarchy based on country of origin. Western Europeans andAmericans top the scale

this year. Nehad Kamal, owner of a large supermarket in Al-Maghazi Refugee Camp in central Gaza, has little else to do but converse with one of the few customers in his store. Unlike in previous years, the store is not teeming with customers rushing to buy foodstuffs usually consumed during Ramadan.

Decreased purchasing power in Gaza is due to high rates of unemployment and poverty, in addition to the large increase in prices as a result of the US-Israeli orchestrated siege.

According to a report issued last Thursday by the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, 57 percent of

5,700 troops home by Christmas

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President Bush has recently announced that a deadline has been set for Christmas to reduce U.S. troops in Iraq by 5,700. He has also announced a second deadline in July 2008 aiming to bring a total of 21,500 U.S. troops home. Plans to bring potentially 130,000 troops home by July 2008 are currently in the making.

Colin Farrell: friend to the homeless

A: When newsworthy and relevant, editorials give an analytical voice to the paper.

Unsigned editorials typically represent the views of the majority of the staff, unsigned editorials represent the opinion of the author.

Q: Does The A-Blast publish letters to the editor?

A: Letters to the editor are always welcome. However, lettters should not exceed 250 words. In order to send a letter to the editor, please visit our website, www.theablast.org. and click on “contact us.”

Q: How do I get involved with the A Blast?

A: If you would like to be on The A - Blast staff, please see Mr. Weintraut in room 263.

amina.mohamed@thea-blast.com

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A Toronto radio station announced on the air that it would award $2,000 to any person who could bring actor Colin Farrell down to the station for an interview. Farrell heard the broadcast and immediately plucked a homeless man off the street. The homeless man and Farrell both trekked to the radio station for the cash prize. Farrell then proceeded to take the newly loaded homeless man on an indulgent shopping spree that included the purchase of a $500 sleeping bag.

Company provides alibis for cheating spouses

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accepting personal responsibility in shaping one’s own society, and this includes the racism that exists within it.

Martin Luther King Jr. refused “to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.” We, too, must uncompromisingly reject such pessimism if we truly wish for peace, harmony and equality to replace war, social discord and injustice.

and are readily accommodated, while Southeast Asians are often at the bottom. A very qualified Indian engineer, for example, may find himself getting paid a lot less than a French one with relatively little experience.

In some countries, like South Africa, racism has wreaked havoc on society for generations. It manifests itself in the refusal of some people to identify with their original ancestral cultures because they fear that such affinity would negate the fact that they are “full” South African citizens, a right for which they fought a most arduous fight.

While racism is universally recognized, few individuals would admit to their own prejudices and racist tendencies. Moreover, it would be self-deceiving to view racism as a purely Western phenomenon.

The racism of those with political, military and economic power is often violent and detrimental, but it is important to remember that the underdog can be just as racist. Prolonged conflicts and wars tend to validate and inflate already existing prejudices. Although the Israeli educational system has produced generations of students saturated with grossly misleading images of Arabs and Palestinians, the relationship between Arabs and Jews hasn’t always been negative.

For centuries, both groups lived in harmony; some of the best Arab poets of past times were Jews and some of the most luminous Jewish texts were written originally in Arabic. Unfortunately, conflict and war have a way of undermining such facts; racism in Israel is so intense now that few dare use the term “Arab Jew.” Even when it doesn’t pertain to race, most people seem to slide easily into greater tribal memberships that divide the world into “us” and “them”, often using words of negation and often utilizing religion.

It remains to be said that a true fight against racism and various other types of group prejudice requires first

MAking the GrAde

Q: What is The A-Blast’s policy on printing controversial issues?

Q: What is The A-Blast’s policy on editorials?

Second Intifada, a violent and sustained uprisng begins.

In retaliation to a series of suicide bombings, Israel initiates an opera tion which results in the death of fifty Pales tinians.

After the bombing of two Israeli children, Israel launches an at tack against Palestin ians.

Israel and Palestine announce truce after a series of attacks.

Palestinian families have a monthly income that places them under the national poverty line, with 44 percent income below the international poverty line.

The wretched circumstances in which most Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip live have not affected existing tensions between the Fatah and Hamas movements this month. Fatah issued a universal call for its supporters to not pray in mosques controlled by Hamas during Ramadan. For its part, Hamas has exploited the onset of Ramadan to strengthen its position in Gaza.

Yet Palestinians are not only suffering from poverty and tension between Fatah and Hamas, but also from the ongoing aggression of the Israeli occupation, especially for residents of border areas between Gaza and Israel.

One factor that distinguishes Ramadan in the rest of the Islamic world is visits among families and between friends, yet for these Gazans continuous raids conducted by the Israeli army make it impossible for families to move at night. In the West Bank, military checkpoints continue to make life for many thousands of Palestinians an unbearable torment. The Israeli army also exploits Ramadan to hunt down wanted Palestinian resistance fighters, because it assumes that wanted individuals attempt to contact their families during Ramadan.

One example is Yussef Al-Assi, 23, an activist in a military wing of Hamas was wanted by Israel. When he decided to share a Ramadan meal with his mother, Israeli soldiers ambushed him. They shot him dead 10 meters from the front door.

As the celebration and festivities for the holy month of Ramadan place smiles on the faces of many Muslims, the Palestinians are left with nothing but the poverty, despair, and separation which submerges their lives.

Overcoming “us” and “them” together

A: If The A-Blast staff or its readers notice an error, we will print a correction in the following issue in a box on page 2.

A: Controversial issues will occasionally appear in the paper, but not without careful consideration by The A-Blast staff. The A-Blast does not seek to create controversy, however we recognize that some news stories may be controversial and should not be omitted, but dealt with in a professional manner.

Sept. 25, 2007

A former private detective has created a webbased company that provides alibis and false evidence to potential adulterers. For a relatively cheap price, customers can be provided with fake receipts, phony work calls, and even pretend souvenirs for creating a customized alibi that allows customers to assure their loved ones of thier whereabouts.

Creators of the company claim that by providing alibis to thier customers, they are saving families and preserving marriages.

Man uses shock collar to punish children A Tennessee man has been imprisoned for using shock collars on his children. Shock collars are typically used to train dogs by releasing a painful electrical shock. The man was charged with two counts of rape and aggravated child abuse after his 17 year-old daughter reported the abuse to a school resource officer. His wife, and the children’s mother, has also been arrested for failure to report the abuse.

amina.mohamed@thea-blast.com

Affirmitive Action Timeline

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•March 6, 1961

Executive Order 10925 makes the first mention of “affirmitive action”.

•July 2, 1964

Civil Rights Act signed

by President Lyndon Johnson.

•June 28, 1978

“Regents of the University of California v. Blake”.

•June 23, 2003

Supreme Court upholds affirmitive action in University of Michigan’s admissions program.

t Annandale High School 4700 Medford Dr. Annandale, Virginia 22003

Vol. 54 No. 2 Sept.25, 2007

(703)642-4229 email: thea-blast@thea-blast.org fax: (703)642-4299

Editors In Chief: Mohamad Elbarasse Paul Mathis

Webmasters: Erik Vu Matt Camilli

Managing Editor: Sarah Waiter News Editors: Kelly McGarey Nathalie Spita

Graphics Editor: Adam Kasdorf Video Editor In Chief: Gus Nielsen Videographers/Editors: Amy Steinbuechler, Michael Craig and Evan McGurrin

Editorials Editors: Amina Mohamed Lara Coulter

Photography Editors: Matt Johnson Laura Simpson

In-Depth Editors: Shriya Adhikary Aya Saed

Copy Editor: Kyle Knoche Ad Manager: Meredith Rutherford Circulation Manager: Kyle Knoche Spanish Consultant: Antonio Rivadinera Adviser: Alan Weintraut

Sports Editors: Walter Smith Greg Young Sports Xtra Editors: Lyndsay Jacobs Marisa Tordella People Editor: Waliha Gani Weekend Editors: Claire Bui Caroline Merz International Editors: Annika Jessen Bewketu Tamir

Online Staff: Stacey Irwin Staff Writers/Photographers: Laith Abu-Taleb, Daniel Fishman, Jerry Solomon, Adeel Shams, Charlie Simpson, Tanya Bellingham, Drew Flowers, Scott Plunkett, Logan Miler, Brad Grabo, Katherine Reach, Jonah Williams and Joseph Ingberg.

Entertainment Editors: Avery Adcock Jeff Dean Health Editors: Vanessa Cerro Rachael Burnett Academics Editors: Jackie Silva Laura Ambrosio Art’s Editor: Nena Buck

Trophy Class Pacemaker Virginia High National Scholastic School Press Association 2005-2006 2005-2006 The A-Blast is an award winning newspaper that strives to inform, educate and entertain the student body and community. Published every three weeks, The A-Blast will not print any material that is obscene or libelous; or that which substantially disrupts the school day, or invades an individual’s right to privacy. The A-Blast is an independent, open forum for discussion that is printed at the Springfield Plant of The Washington Post. Signed letters to the editor of 250 words or less may be submitted to room 262 or mailed to the school. The A-Blast reserves the right to refuse advertisements. All submissions become property of The A-Blast, Copyright, 2007.

CSPA Silver Crown 2004-2005

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Sept. 25, 2007

EDITORIALS

Senate unfairly denies D.C. voting Mo’s

Mindset Opinion

By Mohamad Elbarasse

Three votes. That was all it took to prolong the greatest injustice in American history. Three votes was all it took for Republicans to deny the Washington, D.C. vote bill to go up for debate in the Senate.

The bill seeks to increase the House permanently to 437 seats, from 435. In a bipartisan compromise, one seat would go to the overwhelmingly Democratic District, which has a nonvoting delegate in the House. The other would go to the next state in line to pick up a seat based on the 2000 Census: Utah, which leans Republican.

This seemingly uphill battle for a full member of Congress to represent the District is not a new issue. In 1978 an amendment was proposed by Don Edwards of California to give D.C. voting rights. The amendment was approved by the House of Representatives and was given a seven-year deadline but, the bill was never ratified because it was not approved by at least 38 state legislatures.

Another attempt to give Washington, D.C. more voting rights was in 1980 when a local constitutional convention was held regarding Washington, D.C.’s statehood. The convention was trying to turn Washington, D.C. into New Columbia, a full-fledged state. Although the convention was not a success, some provisions are still upheld to this day, such as allowing “shadow representa-

Residents of Washington D.C. demonstrate in an attempt to gain support in their plight for full representation in Congress.

tives” to lobby Congress regarding issues of importance to Washington, D.C. In April the bill was passed in the House and moved on to the Senate. This is the furthest this bill has come to being signed into law. Although discouraged, Democrats refuse to give up their worthy cause.

“We have not given up,”said Eleanor Holmes Norton to the Washington Post. Norton is Washington, D.C.’s non-voting delegate in Congress, “We have come too farstop stopnow.”

The bill’s main purpose was to provide the District with at least one seat in Congress. But in order to ensure that the bill would survive, it was revised to appease the Republicans. The new bill stated that Utah, a red state, would be granted an additional seat since it is on the brink of the population requirement for another seat in Congress. This would keep the balance now held in Congress, canceling out the Districts vote.

The real point is not to fight for an additional seat for the Democrats, but rather to give a voice to the only “federal district,” otherwise known as the capitol of the United States, which still is not fully represented in Congress.

How can Republicans keep supporting the war in Iraq and offer the Iraqis democracy, when they do not even offer it to their own people who are living in the most symbolic area in the nation?

Republicans argue that the District is not entitled to a full member of Congress because people of the several states” must elect members of the House. But Republicans (and Democrats) have also shot down the proposal to welcome the District in as a state, New Columbia. A lose-lose situation for democracy, this battle for rights is so farcical that it may have been drawn in Non Sequitur, a comic strip whose Latin title bears the name, does not follow.” The bill has stalled on the Senate floor and is now very likely to die.

Three certain Republicans may have doomed the bill this year, but it is sure to make a come back. If it is one thing we have learned about American political society, it is that the people will not be silenced when it comes to the issue of representation in the government, is that not why this country was created?

mohamad.elbarasse@thea-blast.com

Put off Iraq war until tomorrow Reports by top war officials allowed more time for Bush

BY AMINA MOHAMED Editorials Editor Ending frenzied speculation, General David Petraeus, the top commander of theAmerican forces in Iraq, told Congress Monday that the military objectives of the Bush administration’s troop surge strategy in Iraq “are in large measure being met”, but he cited little signs of political reconciliation and an overall decline in violence.

Relying on colorful charts and graphs to illustrate his points, the four-star general conceded that the military gains have been uneven in the months since President George W. Bush added an additional 30,000 troops to the war in January.

American General David Petreus meets with President Bush to discuss the war in Iraq.

He cited the Sunni-dominated Anbar province as an example of former Sunni insurgents turning against Al-Qaeda terrorists. Petraeus also said the Iraqi armed forces are slowly becoming more competent and gradually taking on more responsibility for their security.

As a result, Petraeus told the Congressional hearing and a nationwide television audience, that the U.S. by next summer should be able to reduce its troop strength there to about 130,000, or what it was before the recent increase.

He emphasized that the troop reduction won’t jeopardize the security gains his troops have fought so hard to achieve. Petraeus, who remained calm and unemotional during the whole testimony despite occasional abusing shouts from the audience, concluded that the U.S. can achieve success in Iraq, although doing so will be neither quick nor easy.

Speaking after Petraeus, U.S. Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker said he believed it was possible for the US to see its goals achieved in Iraq.

He said security was attainable, but it would not be achieved quickly, warning that the path would be punctuated by setbacks. Although Crocker said a secure, stable, democratic Iraq, at peace with its neighbors, is attainable, he acknowledged that Iraq is now “a traumatized society” and will remain so for a long time.

Petraeus’s and Crocker’s testimonies came at a crucial time in the war, with the Democratic-controlled Congress pressing for troop withdrawals and the Bush administration hoping to prevent wholesale Republican defections.

Bush and his political allies have worked forcefully in recent weeks to shore up Republican support. The testimonies of Petraeus and Crocker could also help shape upcoming congressional decisions on the much- needed funding for the Iraq war.

By and large, Monday’s testimonies will certainly allow the Bush administration to buy time, using the four-star general to keep the Democrats and an increasing section of the public from boxing the president into a precipitate withdrawal from Iraq.

Indeed, the overriding imperative for Bush these past eight months has been to buy time for both the surge to work and for the Iraqis to get their act together.

Many in Washington believe President Bush just wants to get through 2008 so he can leave the withdrawal to his successor.

Amid the uncertainty, key questions remain about the best outcome Washington can hope for at this point.

How long should the troop build-up last? Should Washington stand by Al-Maliki or seek another leader? What are the hidden risks of the emerging alliance with Sunni tribal leaders?

Under a new plan forged by Petraeus, Sunni tribes are joining the American and Iraqi troops in the fight against Al-Qaeda which the general believes is key to the transformation.

But serious questions are being raised about this tactic and whether it won’t create further serious problems such as creating new sectarian militias while trying to combat the existing ones.

London’s Sunday Times has revealed that American forces are paying Sunni insurgents hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash to switch sides and help them defeat Al-Qaeda.

The tactic might have boosted the efforts of American forces to restore some order to war- torn provinces around Baghdad in the run-up to Petraeus’s report but the question remains how a mercenary force could be turned into a constructive means in chaotic Iraq.

One point of agreement on Iraq, however, is that long-term security hinges on reconciliation among the country’s ethnic and sectarian groups.

Crocker cited small steps, for example a recent agreement among top Shia, Sunni and Kurdish leaders to work harder and more closely together, andAl- Maliki’s grudging acceptance of the United States military’s recruitment and arming of former Sunni insurgents to fightAl- Qaeda.

It remains to be seen if the much talked about national reconciliation will finally come through.

Petraeus’s four-star credibility and Croker’s outstanding diplomatic career might have bought President Bush more time to pursue his military offensive in Iraq, but sometime soon Bush has to face reality and make up his mind about how long the American troops will stay in Iraq and for what purpose.

amina.mohamed@a-blast.com

Police Errors Leave Missing Girl Still Missing Despitegaining global attention, 4 year old McCann is still missing

children alone. Some people have even dared to claim that the parents are responsible for her disappearance. Yet Americans are blind to the cultural differences in parenting between the US and Europe. InAmerican, child abuse and sexual crimes are commonly publicized, which causes an understandable sense of mistrust towards strangers.

BY LARA COULTER Editorials Editor The parents of missing child Madeleine McCann have been revealed as suspects after recent investigations concerning the disappearance of their daughter.

The arrest of parents Kate and Gerry McCann was prompted following the discovery of possible forensic evidence. Blood was found splattered in car rented by the McCanns 25 days after Madeleine first disappeared. However, the blood has not been confirmed as Madeleine’s.

The British-born 4 year old first went missing in early May when she disappeared from her parents hotel room in Praia da Luz, Portugal while her parents dined in a nearby restaurant. Since then, deliberation of the suspicious surrounding circumstances leading up to and following her disappearance has caused global media pandemonium.

The largest source of speculation is the actions of the McCanns, who have raised a worldwide debate on parenting skills. Many people have taken the opportunity to question what they would have done in a similar situation. Yet no person could ever comprehend what the McCanns have endured since the disappearance of their daughter.

People, especially Americans, have the need to put blame on someone. Americans have raised the loudest outcry against the decision of the McCanns to leave their 3

However, in Europe these types of crimes are much less broadcasted, and it is common practice to leave children unattended.

All channels of criticism should be rightly pointed towards the Portuguese police. The police have neglected the case to the fullest extent that could be possible. They have made countless errors, and have lost precious time because they expected that Madeleine would reappear.

The police have failed to preserve the crime scene. They have failed to perform interviews immediately following Madeleine’s disappearance and have as a result lost possible witnesses who were potentially still in the area.

They failed to use technology to search for fingerprints that could have provided invaluable forensic evidence.

The most devastating mistake the Portuguese police made was failing to search every hotel room, home, and building in Praia da Luz the immediate second Madeleine was reported missing.

The criticism placed on the police in comparison to that being placed on the McCanns differentiate completely. The McCanns are being attacked for their culture’s way of doing things. But no matter what country, police are expected to carry out their duties to their fullest possible extent as public servants. Criticism towards the police is not towards the Portuguese, but instead intended to bring attention to the mistakes and flaws in their investigation.

No one is to blame for Madeleine’s disappearance except for the person who kidnapped her. But the Portuguese police are to blame for why Madeleine is still missing.

lara.coulter@thea-blast.com Madeleine McCann is pictured here just days before her abduction in her hotel room where her parents had left her and her younger siblings alone.

3 High school hallways can be hell Poor hallway traffic causes AHS students many problems.

Why is it that the students of AHS forget how to walk the second they step foot in school? I can say with certainty that the majority of students are fully functioning human beings capable of placing foot in front of foot outside of school. So someone explain to me what exactly happens to students the moment they arrive at school.

Why do the majority of students lose all sense of courtesy, politeness, and even common sense when trekking through the school hallways? While the cause eludes me, I am determined to find a solution to one of our school’s most severe problems: hallway traffic.

First of all, let’s address the various students who cause the rest of us to be late to our classes. First, we have the “Hallway Pylons,” the equivalent of a highway pileup accident. These are the people who situate themselves dead center in the hallway because at that very moment it is crucial that they chat with a friend who they probably have a class with later anyways.And often they notice people struggling to politely get past them but, being a Hallway Pylon, it is their job to refuse to move.

The gathering of Hallway Pylons always grabs attention, bringing out the students who are so cleverly called “Rubberneckers.” These students will stop dead in their tracks to join in on ongoing hallway conversations. Too often are students finding themselves plummeting into the backpack of a stopped Rubbernecker and yet are still forced to walk around them.

Do you ever notice how most Rubbernecker students have thick backpacks and purses stuffed to the brim so that when you walk into them it feels like getting hit by a sack of bricks?

Closely related and sometimes confused with Rubberneckers are the equally common “Class Procrastinators.”

Class Procrastinators are the students who walk at a snail’s pace in the hallway without any sense of purpose or need to be somewhere.Alone, these students often don’t cause much of a problem for the rest of us and are quick to pass, but when Class Procrastinators gather, they can be the most problematic of all the human hallway obstacles.

Class Procrastinators will often cluster together and wander in a long line stretching across the hallway. The line is impenetrable and almost impossible to weave around, and the students following behind are forced to adjust to their sloth speed.

This goes out to the Hallway Pylons, Rubberneckers, and Class Procrastinators - your reign of hallway domination is over.

I call on every student to join forces to put a stop to the chaos that has become the hallways of AHS. I have two ideas. The first may sound overly ambitious, but hear me out. I suggest that students start walking on the right side of the hallway, that teachers do more to monitor hallway activity between classes, that conversations take place on the sides of the hallway, and that slow walkers do like slow drivers and stay to the right. And maybe a little politeness here and there will go a long way. I’m a dreamer though.

My second plan probably makes more sense then the first. Maybe if everyone began cutting class or dropping out, then the hallways would be less crowded and therefore easier to navigate. The students who choose to stay in school would need to start pushing and shoving the remaining students in the hallways in order to get people moving. The finishing touch on my plan is for everyone to simply start running in the hallways so they are speedier on their commute to class.

Then there’s always the third option of learning how to fly above a mob of people.

- By Lara Coulter Editorials Editor

NEWS A Students prepare for Class Acts

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After weeks of auditions, the casts have been chosen for these highly anticipated performances

Seniors Celebrate New Parking Spots

BRAD GRABO

BY CHARLES SIMPSON Staff Writer

Seniors are hitting the books for possibly the most important semester of their scholastic career, and one advantage some seniors get is the opportunity to buy their very own parking space. Located in the track parking lot, Ossian Park parking lot, and parallel parking spaces along Four Year Run, seniors park their cars every day. Having their own space allows them to sleep in every morning, because they don’t have to compete for more convenient parking.

The pass, an eight-square-inch tag to be hung on the rear-view mirror, is to be placed in view once the car is parked to show ownership of the spot. Cars that park in a spot that is not theirs can be towed if the owner wishes it so. Seniors also see it as a source of pride and power among the students.

“I think it’s definitely fair for only seniors to have their own parking spots,” says senior Danny Wirdzek, “because after twelve years of taking the bus and hitching rides, we deserve to have a convenient parking spot.”

While this is a common belief among most upperclassmen, others find the spaces to be purely unnecessary.

Senior Skylar Leslie attests to the alternate viewpoint: “There’s no point in having a senior parking spot. Why spend money on one parking spot that’s only a couple minutes closer to the school when the county supplies free transportation every day? It’s a waste [of money].”

-By Brad Grabo Staff Writer

Annandale Class Acts is the Super bowl of the theater world. Each class, freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors, compete for the title of best play. Under the supervision of a director, each choose a play to perform in front of a panel of judges. Stage direction, blocking, sets, and acting roles are all controlled and carried out by the students themselves. As the October 10 deadline approaches, actors are scrambling to memorize lines, sets are expeditiously constructed, and all of the elements of a play adamantly come together in pursuit of the sought after, best play award. With less than three weeks remaining we take a look at what to expect from each class.

First, the freshman class will be performing Hard Candy, a comedy which is being directed by Senior Mike Farmer. He is very optimistic and hopes to help the freshmen pull off the best play possible. “Mike fools around, but he’s a great director, [He’s] very supportive and I think he can lead us to get best play,” says freshman Ben Odom.

Hard Candy, which was chosen at the last minute for its simplicity and humor, contains eleven-parts and seems to be popular with the actors. It is a “very interesting play,” says actor Justice Jones.

Sure to add to the exictement is the enthusiasm that has been generated by this class, by far the largest at AHS. Because of the size, there was a suprising number of auditions supplying ample talent for their performance. The freshman, however, have an obvious disadvantage because of their lack of experience. Because none of them have had the benefit of experiencing Class Acts before, they lack the edge of their competition. “[Our actors] are lacking in experience and have a lot to work on,” says Farmer. However, he went on to say that he believes the class will be able to provide the necessary effort to overcome this disadvantage.

The freshman class seems very optimistic despite any disadvantages they may face. “We’re going to win, they want it!” stated Farmer enthusiastically.

In direct competition with the freshman is the sophomore play, Ed Opus Rex, a comedy spoof on Sophocles’ classic. It is being directed by Sam Lesley who has a difficult challenge ahead of him putting together this large, 14 part play. Lesley will need to call on his near decade of acting experience to pull the play together. Ed Opus Rex has been described as “very funny”, and “a good parody of the original.”

“Oedipus Rex is such a dramatic, powerful play, why shouldn’t we do a spoof of it?” commented Lesley.

While the sophomore class has a large supply of talented actors, they have been experiencing problems with dedication to the performance. Despite the fact that a large number of people tried out and even landed roles, many were forced to drop out due to other obligations and prior commitments. Lesley stated that he would need more effort from the sophomores to have the play completed in time.

As the class struggles to reach deadlines, they remain cautiously enthusiastic. “I definitely think we have a chance [of winning]. We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t have a chance,” says lead actor Jules Ismail.

The third entry is the junior production of Going to School, directed by Natalia Schwien. Schwien has years of experience and if nothing else, intends to make sure that her class just has a good time. “It’s really fun. We practice at my house and it’s basically a big party,” she said. One problem the class faces is that the juniors’lead actor, Martin Miller, has been described as lacking in experience. Most juniors would have the advantage of three years experience, however this is Miller’s first year of Class Acts.

On the positive side, the juniors had impressive, wellmade sets last year and intend to do the same this year.

Futhermore, they have several other key actors who do have experience, and Miller is expected to make up for a lack of experience with raw talent. While remaining confident, the juniors remain grounded knowing they have serious competition from the senior class. After losing to the seniors by a very small margin last year, they do not intend to let it happen again.

The senior class they face chose to perform “Baby Talk.”

This play is also a comedy and is set in a flashback of a group of friends recollecting their time in preschool. It was chosen for its humor and the interesting subject to which it pertains. Alaina Talley works as Director for the seniors. She is, “a fabulous director, [who] knows what she’s doing,” said actor Eric Jurenas. “We’ve had bad directors in the past, so

BY NATHALIE SPITA News Editor

Secretary candidates Emma Barker and Kelsey Price share a laugh before giving their speeches.

NATHALIE SPITA

NATHALIE SPITA

Theatre department to hold auditions for fall play

Freshman Gabby Hankinson gives her speech for Class President.

Young Republicans to hold second meeting

First varsity math meet to be held

There will be a mandatory meeting for all those interested in being on the Varsity or Junior Varsity wrestling team on Wedensday, September 26. Please be in the wrestling room promptly at 2:10.

NATHALIE SPITA

NATHALIE SPITA

The Young Republicans Club will hold its second meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 26 in Room 296 at 2:10 p.m. All are welcome to attend.

Wrestling team to hold interest meeting

Several audience members listen attentively to the speeches being given by their classmates.

Freshman Salma Kerfal gives her speech for Class Treasurer. She was later elected to the position.

The Young Democrats Club will hold its second meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 26 in Room 153. Members are expected to be there promptly after school.

Poe set to hold annual Artspeak!

EdgarAllen Poe Middle School will open their 11th year of Artspeak! on Tuesday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m. Broadway Star, Natascia Diaz will open the event, which is freee to the public. All are welcome, and encouraged to attend this unique event.

As the freshman class assembled in Clausen Hall on Friday, September 21 for class elections, students got pumped up with the Atoms’ Fight Song and began cheering for their friends. With the class of 2011 being the largest inAHS history, the newly elected members of the SGA will have a big shoes to fill and a great number of students to satisfy.

Freshmen Kate Bermingham, Gabby Hankinson, Justice Jones and Davine Rogers ran for Class President. As for Vice President Eyob Ayalew and Meriem Khadraoui ran. Haseena Ali, Emma Barker, and Kelsey Price were candidates for Secretary. Salma Kerfal ran for Treasure and Zenebework Saife-Selassie ran for Senator.

All the candidates strongly voiced their opinions about what their intentions were for the school year and what they thought should change. Presidential candidate Davine Rogers said he wanted well-planned fundraisers along with field trips and Gabby Hankinson also a candidate for President thought canned food drives were the way to go for raising money. Having more fun events and obtaining more money were other issues that were discussed.

“Popularity! This class just wants a leader that can party! They care about the social events not the 4.0,” said freshman Lillian Singer. Are elections like this one based on popularity or proficiency? “Definitely popularity because no one really cares…its all about friends,” said another freshman Ryan Gibson. Many, including freshman Lydia Pion, agree that the election is based on popularity, not how hard working a person is. “Popularity because people didn’t really pay attention to the speeches…they just voted for their friends,” said Pion.

Others, such as Andrew Pack, contradict this statement. He believes elections have something more to them then just plain popularity. “It’s all about the speeches.

I voted for Davine, because I liked his speech,” said Pack.

Whether you believe its popularity or proficiency, it is up to you to distinguish between the two and make the right choice. Congratulations to Davine Rogers who claimed the position of President, Eyob Ayalew who is the new VP, Kelsey Price who is the newly elected Secretary, and Treasurer, Salma Kerfal. Zenebework SaifeSelassie, Kate Bermingham, Gabby Hankinson, Justice Jones, Meriem Khadraoui, Haseena Ali, and Emma Barker are Senators for the ensuing year.

SGA gears up for Spirit Week 2007 As Homecoming nears, AHS students and staff alike are hard at work to make it a success

BY LOGAN MILLER Staff Writer

Young Democrats set to reassemble

we know what not to do and how to do things right.”

The senior class has several advantages working in their favor including talented actors and, most prominently, the most experience out of the four classes. Working against them is the mounting pressure for a successful performance.

It is expected of the seniors to set the bar for the younger classes and to fill the large shoes of past seniors. Despite this growing pressure, they remain supremely confident, and almost comically presumptious on their ability to succeed.

“We will win!” lead actor Eric Jurenas stated boldly.

Each class, freshmen to seniors, have their own obvious advantages and disadvantages. They all have been, and will continue to work unremmitingly on perfecting their plays up until performance day; and they will all bring their own unique talent and perspective to this dramatic competition. You’ve heard what they have to offer, and on October 10, can come and see what they have produced, and which class will earn best play.

The freshmen elect their student government represemtatives for the 2007-2008 school year.

Spirit Week brings another long-belovedAHS tradition: powderpuff football!

Practices will be held on October 1, 2, 9, 10, and 11 at Chapel Square. Seniors will practice from 3:30-4:30. Juniors will practice from 4:30-5:30.

The first Varsity Math meet of the year will be held on Wednesday, September 26 right after school in the cafeteria. All students in Algebra II Honors or higher are eligible to compete. The meeting should last about 45 minutes. Calculators are not allowed at this meet. Extra credit will be awarded to participants.

John Odem and Jules Ismail, under the direction of Sam Lesley, rehearse the play “Ed Opus Rex”, the sophomore offering for Class Acts.

Officers chosen for AHS’s largest class

Powederpuff football announces practice schedule

The AHS Theatre Department will hold auditions for its fall children’s play, “Winnie the Pooh” on September 24, 25, and 27 from 3:00-4:30 in the Black Box. All are welcome to try out.

CHARLES SIMPSON

NEWS BRIEFS

Sept. 25, 2007

As Spirit Week draws near,AHS students, especially seniors, are hoping for an exciting season to overshadow last year’s disappointment. Due to several technical problems that included an area-wide blackout, 2006’s “Fall Pep Rally,” was cancelled. In addition, the freshmen float was disqualified because of insufficient materials.

“It wasn’t as good as it could have been,” said Junior David Winters. “Not enough students partook in the activities, but they were fun.” Winters also spoke out to say that Leadership will “encourage co-students to participate in the events” and that he expects this year to be “the best damn Spirit Week so far.”

“Last year went really well, despite the fact that the halftime show didn’t go as planned and the pep rally was cancelled,” Abby Kahn, the student Leadership sponsor said, concluding that Leadership “has plans to make it 10 times better,” than last year. With only four weeks to plan these events, they’ve worked extremely hard to make this year’s Homecoming Week the best that AHS has ever seen.

The schedule for Spirit Week is as follows: PJ Day

on October 1, Stuffed Animal Day on October 2, Twin Day and Bonfire on October 3, Retro Day on October 4, Class Spirit Day and the Homecoming football game on October 5, and finally the Homecoming Dance on October 6.

On PJ day, everyone is asked to wear to school what they wore to bed the previous night. This day is exciting because you can wear your most relaxing outfit. Leadership has assigned Tuesday as Stuffed Animal Day, and Wednesday as Twin Day, so find a friend or two and dress alike. Thursday is Retro Day, which gives students a chance bring back any decade and wear fashionable attire from that period.

Friday is Spirit Day, which means that the outfits are assigned by class. Seniors will wear togas, juniors will wear face-paint, sophomores will wear red, and fresh- The “Atoms Boys”, a traditional symbol of AHS spirit, stir up the men will wear white. This day also brings the Pep crowd at a recent football game.

Rally, which be held along with a game of flag football.

“Everyone must partake in the activities in order for it Also the Varsity football game, and the Float Contest will to be a traditional week,” said senior Zach Flynn, in hopes be held on this day. This exciting week culminates in one of an amazing spirit week. Annandale has a reputation of the most anticipated events of the year: Saturday’s one of being very spirited; a feat which student Leadership and only Homecoming Dance. Tickets will be on sale in plans to uphold. Sophomore Andrea Quezada, also a the cafeteria that week. member of Leadership, encourages everyone to “show The annual AHS Homecoming Bon fire, to be held his or her school spirit by going to every activity and folon October 3, will kick off Homecoming Week with lowing the Spirit Week calendar.” a performance by the AHS Marching Band, and the With so many people looking forward to an exciting cheerleaders and the football team announcing their week, it will definitely be more thrilling and event-filled players. In addition, October 3 will bring student voting than last year if everything goes as planned. Come on out for this year’s Homecoming Court King & Queen. The and show your Annandale High School Spirit! winners will be announced and participate in both the Homecoming Parade and the Halftime Show.

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New technology takes over school is headed.

Rebecca Bartelt, the school based technology specialist, is in charge of training teachers to use the new software and computers. Bartelt said that many teachers would not part with their stations because some just have “no time to do it” or because the new laptops do not as easily connect to classroom televisions as the old computers.

Another new technological tool that is making its way into many classrooms around the building is the Smartboard. A Smartboard is a an electronic whiteboard that has images projected on it by an LCD

Overcrowding causes frustration

SGA continues planning

As Homecoming approaches, the SGA scambles to finish last minute projects.

The countdown to the Homecoming Dance starts on Monday with Pajama Day followed by bring your favorite stuff animal to school Day on Tuesday. On Wednesday is Twin Day in which you and a friend or two dress alike. Additionally the annual bonfire is scheduled that day at 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. on the football field/track. Then bring back any decade with fashionable attire on Retro Day. Friday is Spirit Day for all the AHS family. There will be a Pep Rally that day in the football stadium. Finally the most antcipated event, Homecoming Dance, will be on Saturday October 6 in the main gym between 8:00 p.m. and11:00 p.m. Get involved in Spirit Week and be proud of AHS.

DECA goes on field trip

Abacus, the software that teachers currently use.

With the addition of the new laptops many of the old desktop stations will be removed. But not all teachers will happily part with their stations.

“I am comfortable with using [the desktop],” said history teacher Jonathan York, “I bounce back and forth between the laserdisc, movies, and the computer.” York also added that the computer has a much larger screen than the laptop.

Teachers are allowed to take their laptops home to provide them with access to the programs they have at school from the comfort and privacy of their own homes. “I bring home enough papers already,” said York, “I dont want to bring home another bag.”

As reluctant as York sounds, he says he is willing to change if that is where the future of the

projector.

Teachers can now display a worksheet and have students go right up to the board, use one of the colored electronic markers and solve a problem or answer a question.

Some teachers are eager to use the Smartboard in their classrooms, but each Smartboard has a specially designed rail system that the board can roll along.

Installation crews are yet to set up the rail way system in many of the classrooms that have Smartboards.

AHS is filled with new software and technologically advanced tools to ensure its students a good education.

Be it with new laptops and programs for teachers or eliminating the use of whiteboards and dry erase markers. AHS is definitely leading the pack when it comes to technology.

Students race through the overcrowded hallways in order to get to class on time. Hallway traffic is at an all-time high becuase of the increased student population. The classroom sizes are considerably larger than in years past.

“Congestion” from page 1 Director of Student Services Steve Sengstack said that, in terms of classroom size, it is not as simple as asking for more teachers from the county.

“All schools are staffed the same,” he said.

“The actual staffing ratio for Fairfax County is 28:1. Now, not every class has 28 students in it, but [Fairfax County] human resources has a formula for determining how many staff persons each school gets. It is not in Annandale’s hands.”

In fact, in determining the student to teacher ratio, dividing the number of students by the number of teachers is misleading. As Sengstack explains, not every teacher is teaching every period.

“In any given period, only 80-85% of teachers are actually teaching,” he said. “To determine the student-teacher ratio, you would have to find out how many teachers are teaching each period, and the number of students that are in class for each period.”

Even then, some classes will take only 16 students while others take 45.

“There are some classes that have a lot of teachers, and some have fewer, due to our efforts to ensure that more academic classes remain at lower sizes,” said Sengstack.

“So when we bring an academic class down to 8 students, we hope that other classes, those that can handle a larger size, will pick up the

students left off, such as band or P.E.” However, some students are still unsatisfied. “In one of my classes, health, there are 42 people,” said Semone Solomon, sophomore.

“The entire class is packed. They need to add to the school.”

To the dissatisfaction of some students, temporarily class sizes will have to increase, as classes have been being leveled since Sept.

24.

In total, about 14 new sections will be added to the master schedule, meaning that nearly 400 students will have schedule changes.

In the long run this will prove beneficial to all of those students with large class sizes, but for now, it may be disappointing. “The fewer people there would be, the better,” said Elcorrobuarrutia.

Still, for some, classes aren’t the problem.

“The worst situation is at the end of the day, when everyone is trying to go to the buses,” said Dvando. “Nobody ever knows where to go, and they get lost in the crowd.”

Hope is on the horizon with new teachers, but Dvando will have to rely on her county to make changes.

Maybe it would just be better to embrace the numbers “The more people the better,” said Molina. “I’m a people person, so I love the crowds.”

New Staff

The 2007-2008 school year gives everyone a fresh start. AHS is foturnate to welcome 31 new teacher who include: Art Carol Dodd Trost English Shirley Campbell Samantha Davis Nonia Jones Joy Korones Melissa Phillips Anna Katherine Prum Laurel Shroyer ESOL Shana King Bethany Slingerland Foreign Language Erick Giblin Marketing Kyle Graumann Math Diana Briggs Hee-Chang-Coi Leonida Gibson Erica Preston Performing Arts Stephanie Lewis

PAUL MATHIS

Hispanic students celebrate heritage

Hispanic Heritage Month creates awarness about accepting different cultures. The Hispanic Leadership Club meet Mondays and they create a positive image of Hispanic students.

“Hispanic Heritage” from page 1 Nearly everyone has a positive opinion on National Hispanic Heritage Month, but most have differing opinions on why it is important.

“The Spanish minority is one of the fastest growing minorities in the United States. With the world globalizing and shrinking at an extremely rapid rate, we need to become more aware and accepting of other people’s cultures,” said Galicia, “There is still

a lot of ignorance even at a diverse place likeAHS and the only way to end it is to become more aware.”

“It recognizes the Spanish people who contribute to society,” said senior Dyasha Arauz, “Hispanics make a lot of contributions to the country and they should be recognized for it,” The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are 44.3 million Hispanics living in the United States, this figure represents 14.8 percent

of the entire country’s population, making them the largest minority group in the country, surpassing the estimated 40.2 million blacks in the country.

As of 2005, the U.S. has the third largest Hispanic population of any country in the world; only Mexico and Columbia had a larger number.

“The cultures of other people are important,” said freshman Shareah Bethea, “I have learned new things about their culture during this

Science Stacy Dumaresq Francesca Mast Special Education Christopher Bagot Dana Marie Basler Patsy Casino Xiara Davis Christina Eagle Kathleen Gilfoil Brian Hublar Simon Kalay Mary Ann Lyerly Fahma Mohamed Brenda Moore

month.”

Hispanics have undoubtedly made large contributions toAmerican politics, notably former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and Senator Mel Martinez of Florida.

As the 21st century progresses and the country’s population increases, the Hispanic minority will continue to grow and their culture will continue to coalesce with that of America’s.

For your planner!

TUESDAY

• FCA weekly huddles in Band Room (6:50 a.m.)

• Children’ s show auditions begin in Auditorioum (2 to 4 p.m.)

• Class Acts rehersal in Auditorium continuing (2 to 5 p.m.)

Band plays on after losing members awards for 3A bands during the competition, including the best drum major, marching, general effect, and best overall in class 3A. “[The band] came into the stadium and saw people actually watching and paying attention to them and they panicked,” said The Marching Atoms perform during practice before a varsity football game. The AHS band has dereased Salpini. “They by about 30 members since last season. basically there are less people, everything has been running more stopped playing and it became a big mess. I was surprised, because smoothly and efficiently.”

“I think that we are ahead of where we were last year,” we had already played in public two times and I didn’t said Elgin. “This is really a good group of people. I think think that it would be an issue.”

Overall, however, the large amount of people quitting that the energy level is up, it’s really a fun show. It is a little bit harder, but it’s going to be a lot of fun when we band has had some positive and some negative effects.

“I would say that it creates tension between the people get it together.” that are still in and the people that quit,” said Epley. “However, it has also had a positive effect on the band. Since

WEDNESDAY

• Homecoming Ticket sales in Cafeteria begin • Varsity Math Meet in Cafeteria (2 to 3 p.m.)

• Back to School Night for parents (6 p.m.)

THURSDAY

• Homecoming ESOL Presentations in Auditorium (1st/2nd flexes)

FRIDAY

• Peer Mediation Team Building Day in Muilti-Purpose Room (7:20 a.m. to 2 p.m.)

SATURDAY

• Band Competition in North Stafford and Hermitage

Mon. Oct. 1 NATHALIE SPITA

“Marching Band” from page 1 “A lot of us are frustrated with the lack of retention of the rookies,” said junior drum major Kate Salpini.

Not everyone is unhappy with the losses in band. Others see it as having a positive effect on the band.

“The people that quit were the people that caused all of the problems last year,” said senior drum major Jenni Patton.

There were several people in the band that quit because of conflicts with different sports or not getting a leadership role, such as section leader.

“They had their own issues. Some of them were sports related, and others were the fact that they didn’t make leadership positions,” said Elgin, “That is all I can tell you at this point.”

“It really was like a domino effect,” said senior Peter Epley. “Once a few people quit, certain people felt that their friends were all gone and then it kept escalating after that.”

“It was very disappointing. When people say that they are going to do something, well when I grew up, it was your word that was your bond,” said Elgin. “When people say that they are going to do something then they don’t, it’s a very frustrating and disappointing thing.”

The marching band’s first competition was at Hylton High School on Sept. 15. The Atoms’ show features songs from the musical group Chicago. This continues the band’s theme of jazz music, which the band has been playing for three years. Despite complaints from some members of the band, including Elgin, the marching band won many of the

DECA and Fashion Marketing students took a trip to Springfield Mall and met with Piper Jaffrey, is a public relations firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The firm’s representatives talked about trends currently happening in the media and fashion industries. They discussed how teenagers influence sales and the results. After the presentation the students began their treck through Springfield Mall evaluating stores such as Forever 21, Pacific Sunwear, and Express. The DECA students examined the stores’ presence, their accessories, and clothing.

CLAIRE BUI

MOHOMMAD ELBARSSE

Math Teacher Ryan Barden demonstrates how he uses Smart Board in his classroom. Smart Board is one of the many new inovations that have appeared at AHS.

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NEWS BRIEFS

NATHALIE SPITA

“Technology” from page 1. more efficiently asses students, FCPS has issued each teacher a Dell laptop. This new program was created to allow teachers to have acces to quality technology at school and at home.

In total 179 laptops were distributed with a retail value of around $1300 each. AHS has been chosen to pilot FCPS’s newest software, eCART or The Electronic Curriculum Assesment Resource Tool.

FPCS is encouraging teachers to utilize the program to better understand a students needs. eCART may soon replace

NEWS

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Sept. 25, 2007

• Homecoming Spirit Week begins • Transitional High School meeting in Clausen Hall (7 p.m.)

Tues. Oct. 2

• FCA weekly huddles in Band Room (6:50 a.m.)

Wed. Oct. 3

• Collaboration Day • First Quarter Interims • Homecoming Court Balloting (English Classes) • National Honor Society Meeting in Clausen Hall (7:20 a.m.)

• Science Fair Human Project Mtg. in Leis Ctr. (6:30pm) • Homecoming Bonfire at the Track Field ( 7:00 pm) • Senior Parent Night in Clausen Hall (7: 30 p.m.)

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Sept. 25, 2007

Welcome back students!

Drive with us!

ACADEMICS Everyone Studies Other Languages A

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Sept. 25, 2007

ESOL students, embarking on the new year, learn the English Language

BY LAURA AMBROSIO Academics Editor

to adjust to a new lifestyle. The struggles they face everyday are unimaginable.

“You have to be very sensitive to the fact that they’re overwhelmed. I mean when they first come they’re totally lost,” said Tomisato.

ESOL teachers like Tomisato try to make this experience as easy as they can for their students. They use specific techniques in their teaching to facilitate the learning process.

It is important that the students are able to sit next to someone who speaks the same language as them, so that they can communicate if one doesn’t understand the directions in English. Tomisato states, “In this level if they couldn’t speak in their language they would have nothing to say.”

The way an ESOL class is set up is no different than a regular class. They still follow an agenda, get homework everyday and review it during class time. Of course, some students are going to learn faster than others. It is important for teachers to reinforce material through repetition. For example, when the students were given a vocabulary worksheet with words like cupcake, carrot and mitten, the entire class repeated the pronunciation of the words numerous times.

“That’s why we have to do a lot of if we say something we have to write it. If we give them an [oral] assignment, then we have to give it to them on a piece of paper because they can’t keep everything in their heads,” said Tomisato.

Another technique that helps the ESOL students is acting. Recently, students were assigned a project to create a production of their favorite television show. A cardboard box made to look like a television provided the students with a visual. They practiced their English while talking about something they had knowledge about. This opportunity gave the ESOL students a chance to build their confidence through public speaking, while practicing the use of new vocabulary and complete sentences.

As the ESOL students encounter new challenges every day, it is important that they receive the support they need and are able to work together. The outlook for these ESOL students looks promising. The ESOL program gives these students a chance for success.

Q: Where are you from and what is your first language?

A: “I am from Bolivia and I speak Spanish.”

Q: How long have you been in the ESOL program?

A: “I been in the ESOL program since I got here which is about eight years.”

Q: What were some of the challenges you faced while learning English?

A: “The writing and the vocabulary is very difficult to learn.”

Q: What do you miss the most about your country?

A: “I miss my grandmother and father and my friends.”

—Miguel Sitoe junior

“Arabic III. Everything about it is hard and confusing.

—Mohamed Elghoul junior

“I’m currently enrolled in IB Spanish and French 1. The biggest challenge is memorizing all the new verb conjugations.”

“Spanish 4. It’s easy to learn the language grammatically but it’s hard to speak it without the English accent.

BY JACKIE SILVA Academics Editor

Fabiola Navia-Mallo

“French II. Going a day without seeing my fabulous teacher, Ms. Rudney.”

—Michael Chung junior

A chance to assimilate through theatre while being in the first drama class of its kind

Success stories

—Kendra Valencia freshman

ESOL students enjoy themselves as they are educated in facets of the American culture.

ESOL students take drama

—Tim Chowdhury senior

All information by Laura Ambrosio and Jackie Silva

Primary Languages Spoken at AHS Language LAURA AMBROSIO

For the first time inAHS history, the drama department is offering a chance for students who speak English as a second language to enroll in an ESOL Theatre Arts class.

Members of the ESOL program now have the privilege of taking a theatre elective that is only composed of ESOL students and taught with the same methods and techniques as other regular ESOL classes.

During W6, students of all grade levels who represent different ethnic backgrounds meet in the Black Box for this special elective taught by Vicki Farish with the assistance of Leslie Chekin, the ESOL Department Chair. So far, students have been introduced to the elements of theatre, such as basic vocabulary, stage safety and production aspects.

“They are eager to learn and they want to get involved. I think the important thing is that these kids are getting exposed to a class that even though it’s ESOL, is helping them to intergrate into the school so that they’re not segregated anymore,” said Farish. The class is made up of students from all ESOL levels and also for those who have recently graduated from the program.

In the previous years, ESOL students had the opportunity of joining the after school Drama Club, organized by Chekin. Now through the class, students are able to learn more about acting and producing plays. The material taught in this elective is the same as regular Theatre I classes, the only difference being that the techniques used better apply to ESOL students. Some of these strategies include more emphasis on the vocabulary, greater use of examples and demonstrations for clearer understanding. “Instead of watching a video only once, we watch it twice,” said Farish. “It’s just a matter of slowing it a little because of language, not because of knowledge,” said Farish.

Farish has worked with ESOL students before, but this is the first time she has had the chance to teach drama to non-fluent English speakers. She enjoys the new experience and looks forward to a great and successful year. Attempts were made to offer this elective last year, but not enough students expressed interest in the class or were not informed about it. AHS is one of the first high schools in Fairfax County to offer this class to ESOL students.

Senior Betty Granados is in Farish’s W6 ESOL Drama class. She was born in Honduras, but has been living in the U.S. for six years and speaks Spanish fluently at home. When asked what it was like for her when she first arrived in America, she responded “Really hard. Not only because I was leaving my family and friends, but also because I was moving to a place I didn’t know. It was difficult to come here and not know anything about the country and language.”

Granados was a member of the ESOL Drama club for her sophomore and junior years.

Her two years of acting experience not only inspired her to get more involved with theatre, but it also helped her to become more confident with her talent as well as her new

What language do you take and what is the hardest part about learning it?

“Spanish. To pronounce the words and learn new grammar.”

LAURA AMBROSIO

Imagine the frustration of being surrounded by all English speakers and not being able to understand a single word. At AHS, one in four students has limited English speaking ability, yet the school has a ninety percent passing rate for the English SOL tests. The ESOL (English for Students of Other Languages) Department provides the opportunity for these students to improve their language skills.

Georgi Tomisato who teaches ESOL Level A2 and ESOL English 9 transitional has a very diverse group of students. The languages they speak range from Spanish and Korean to Vietnamese, Chinese and Urdu. So how can students who come from all over the world, where the only thing they have in common is their need to acquire the English language, all learn in the same class? It’s difficult and requires a lot of patience, but Tomisato and other ESOL teachers have many years of experience. Tomisato has taught atAHS for eight years and eleven years at Edison High School for both of their ESOL departments. The ESOL teachers have to cater to the different needs of each individual and create an environment in which the students feel comfortable and eager to learn.

There are always obstacles that they face, but in time they are able to overcome them.

“I have one girl, she hasn’t understood a single word I’ve said since day one, not yet and so sometimes they’re so close to tears. I mean it’s just that overwhelming. She’ll probably have to repeat the year and do this level again next year, but then she’ll be at the head of the class and she’ll feel much better. But it takes a long time,” said Tomisato. Learning a new language usually takes seven to eight years, but the ESOL students are encouraged to have finished learning the language in half that time.

The levels of ESOL begin with A2, which is for students who are just starting the language, followed by A3, then to the more advanced classes of B1 and B2. “In order to get to the next level they have to test at the county level so we [the ESOL teachers] don’t determine that,” said Tomisato. Students are able to skip levels if they display an immense amount of progress by the end of the year.

The ultimate goal is to have the ESOL students graduate when they have accomplished learning English and become mainstreamed with the rest of the student population. Many factors affect this goal for the student. For example, it will be easier for a student to grasp English if they have had an exceptional education in their country or if they have already picked up a little of the language. The speaking, writing, and reading parts are not the only challenges these students face. They have to conquer their fears of speaking in English and adjust to a whole new culture as well.

Junior Elizabeth Gallo was born and raised in Peru. She has only lived in the Unitesd States for eight months. She was lucky to have been able to study English in Peru for two months before she came to the U.S. and is doing exceptionally well in Tomisato’sA2 English class. “For me the hard part in English is the grammar because when I try to translate my Spanish words it’s different. For example when I have a sentence ‘pink shirt’ in English then in Spanish it is ‘shirt pink’ or camisa rosada,” said Gallo. She watches English television shows like Friends to help her. She understands that learning English will take a lot of practice, but she remains motivated.

“If you don’t talk English it’s like you don’t have mouth,” said Gallo.

Gallo is like many of the ESOL students. She misses her country, but is trying her hardest

7

ESOL students in theatre class act out a scene in a play they are studying.

language skills.

“The first year was hard because it was my first time acting and going on stage, so I felt nervous. It was difficult because of the language but now I feel more comfortable,” said Granados.

Granados’ favorite part of being in a play is the adrenaline during dress rehearsals.

On the other hand, she dislikes when people from the cast arrive late to practice because it slows down their progress, therefore, affecting the production as a whole. Adapting to a different school system, trying to fit in with new people and getting used to American culture are some of the challenges encountered by ESOL students when they move to America.

However, none of these obstacles stopped Betty from doing the activity she enjoys the most – acting! That’s why she decided to take this new elective.

“I chose it because I love acting and because I knew it would help me with my English.

Also, I knew it would be easy for me to make friends there,” said Granados.

Granados looks forward to participating in the fall play and spring musical, both directed

by Farish, who’s also thrilled to teach such a talented and diverse group of students.

Jocelyn Elcorrobarrutia Q: Where are you from and what is your first language?

A: “I am from Peru and I speak Spanish.”

Q: How long have you been living in the U.S.?

A: “I have been living here for one year and eight months.”

Q: What was the reason you came to the U.S.?

A: “For better education and for a better future.”

Q: What was it like to adapt to a new country and new culture?

A: “It was difficult to learn the new language.”

Information compiled by Joe Panther

Guillermo Rivera Q: Where are you from and what is your first language?

A: “I am from El Salvador and I speak Spanish.”

Q: What was it like for you to adapt to a new country and culture?

A: “Difficult because in El Salvador we have a 10 minute break between each class instead of 5 minutes.”

Q: What are some of the activities you are involved with in school?

A: “I was in ESOL drama and I plan to play soccer this year.”

Q: How long have you been living in the United States?

A: “I have been living here for 5 years.”

No. of Students

English Amharic Arabic Armenian Bengali/Bangla Cambodian/Khmer Chinese/Mandarin Creole (Hatian) Dari French Fulani Ga German Greek Gujarati Hindi Indonesian Japanese Korean Krio Kurdish Lao Malayalam Mende Nepali Farsi/Persian Pilipino Portuguese Punjabi Pashtu Russian Serbo-Croatian Somali Spanish Swahili Tagalog/Pilipino Tamil Telugu Temne Thai Tigrinia Turkish Twi Urdu Vietnamese Visayan

1102 56 60 1 16 17 27 8 1 10 1 1 1 2 1 10 1 1 78 23 5 10 2 1 1 34 6 5 5 14 3 1 28 571 2 11 2 1 3 3 8 1 8 70 150 1

AHS Student Services Office

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ADVERTISEMENT

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Sept. 25, 2007

BUY YOUR YEARBOOK!

15 years from now you will wish you had!

Be sure to turn in order forms to your W2 teacher by Friday, Sept. 28.

Come to the publications lab if you have any questions.

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Sept. 25, 2007

INTERNATIONAL

Holidays coincide

How do you celebrate Ramadan or Rosh Hashanna?

Ramadan and Rosh Hashanah fall on the same day; students discuss the meaning

“I fast from 5:30 a.m.to 7:30 p.m. I am used to it. The best part is family reunions.”

BY SARAH SHAMI Staff Writer

—Ahmed Elghoul freshman

“When I fast, I sleep so that I wouldn’t have to worry about eating and I eat when it is time .”

—Mohamed Kamara sophomore

MOHAMMED ELBARASESSE

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, began at sundown on September 13, coinciding for the third year in a row with Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting. Both religious traditions teach that these are times of special prayer , rituals and contemplation that should focus the believers on their relationships with both God and other people.

Jews believe that God records the fate of humankind in the Book of Life during the period of the High Holy Days. On Yom Kippur, Jews fast, attend religious services,atone for past sins, seek forgiveness from those they’ve wronged and resolve not to repeat their transgressions.

The observance of Ramadan is one of the five major tenets or Pillars of Islam and can only begin after the new moon is sighted by special Islamic committees in London and the Middle East. Because of this, Muslim leaders worldwide disagree on when Ramadan should begin, so Muslims around the world start the holy month on different days.

Though this is the third year in a row when Rosh Hashanah and Ramadan coincide, it is a relatively rare occurrence, given the difference in the lunar calendars followed by Jews and Muslims.

The relatively unusual calendar occurrence brings many questions and thoughts to mind including whether or not we as a high school community of over 73 nations will be able to break free of any religious or cultural intolerance we may have had and grow as a community.

The overall mood of AHS students concerning the shared holidays of Ramadan and Rosh Hashanah was that of both acceptance and hope. “I think that it is a good thing because we are able to celebrate our religious holidays on the same day” said junior Karima Khatib.

“I thought it was ironic and cool,” said senior Mari Pac. In actuality both Jews and Muslims share many aspects in their religious beliefs. Many of the students are aware of these similarities. “We both come from the same father, who is Abraham. We share many prophets and we are both monotheistic,” said Pac. “We believe in pretty much the same things except for a few major key concepts, like for example some Jewish women even cover their hair,” said Khatib.

Khatib has even made the effort of visiting a synagogue further, closing the gap of misunderstanding between the two religions.

“Yeah, I probably would [consider visiting a mosque] but first I would have to learn more about the religion. But I would definitely consider visiting one in the future,” said freshman Ben Wolfenstein.

Students say that going to a school such as Annandale has helped them shape their outlook on religious differences and tolerance towards those religions. “Especially here at Annandale and in D.C. since it’s very diverse, you have to be accepting,” said freshman Mitchell Frank.

“I think that it is wonderful they started on the same day,” said history teacher Joel

“I fast most of the time and I don’t stay in the cafeteria during lunch. I either go to the library or the Quad.”

Senior Mohammad Mian attends the Friday Prayers at AHS during the fasting period. For Muslim students, celebrating Ramadan, fasting and prayer are a necessity everyday.

Jepson. “I think it’s great because even if it is for one day it will cause us to put aside our differences. I also think it is a celebration of the diversity we have in America and at AHS.” Parents have played a key role in accepting religious and ethnic differences, “[My parents and I] are about the same. I learn from them to accept religious differences,” said senior Kowser Yosef.

“I have been taught by my parents to be tolerant,” said junior Abdi Mohammed.

However the past six decades of conflict between the two religions are not forgotten, “ [The first thing I think about in Judaism] is the conflict between Jews and Muslims,” said Yosuf. On the other hand many students suggested positive images about other religions “ When I think about Islam I probably think about [ my Muslim friends], or anyone I know who is Muslim,” said Pac. The age of religious intolerance and racism is over, the newer younger generations are able to discern between what is fact and what is prejudice. As more and more communities come from abroad we are able to tolerate even more differences. Going to a school as diverse as AHS makes students realize how important diversity is and how much seemingly different cultures and different religions actually share in common.

—Wala Elamin junior “I just fast during the day,sometimes it is hard during the school day because of extracuricular activities, by the end of the day I celebrate it by eating a lot.”

—Taher Al-Suqi senior

“I celebrate Rosh Hashanah by having dinner with my husband and daughter’ s fiance.”

Ramadan

Rosh Hashanah - Rosh Hashanah is literally translated into head of the year and is the start of the first ten high holy beginning in the month of tishri or the seventh month of the Jewish lunar Calendar, days ending with Yom Kippur.

- The Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the New Year. It is a time to spend with family and eating special meals.

- Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are two of the most important holidays in the Jewish Religion. They are also purely religious since they are not related to any historical or natural event.

—Linda-lee Slesinger Special Education Teacher

- Ramadan is an Islamic religious observance that takes place during the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar when the Quran was revealed.

- The name “Ramadan” is taken from the name of this month; the word itself derived from an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of rations.

- Fasting or sawm is the most prominent event in the month of Ramadan.

- Every day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world get up before dawn to eat and perform their Fajr prayer. They break their fast after the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib (sunset).During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam as well as refraining from lying, cheating, stealing, backbiting, gossiping and cursing.

World News MiDDLE EAST Iraqi government banned the Blackwater US A contractor that provides security to the top US officials in Iraq.

According to a source the decsion of the Iraqi government was made due the fact that eight Iraqis were shot to death due the covey involving an American deplomat. According to the spokesman of the Ministry of Interior, Brig. General Karim khalaf said that the government canceled the contract on monday.

The shooting took place in Baghdad on Sunday. The US government has restrained from commentting on the event.

Three thousand years pass Ethiopians celebrate their third millennium seven years after the Gregorian calender millennium

AMERICAS On September 19, the toy company CEO testified in front of the congress.

Mattel Inc. CEO Robert Eckert said he has recalled over 800000 toys sinceAugust because the lead content was over ten times the limit set by the Health department. According to the national statistics; nine out of ten kinds of toys in the United States were made in China, so the toys have to be safe. But according to another source, the company did not do as much as it should have done .

BY TIGIST TAMIR Staff writer

EUROPE

HEYLA ASRAT

On September 11, the Ethiopian new year, Ethiopians celebrated the dawn of their new millennium by setting off fire works that lit the sky of Addis Ababa with beautiful colors. Whistles and bullhorns sounded loudly in the city; sounds of a great celebration.

Ethiopians celebrated with a concert in Addis Ababa, and gathered together in churches all over the country. The concert featured Black Eyed Peas and many of Ethiopia’s most popular singers. It cost about $170, a two-month salary for the average Ethiopian.

“I totally disagree with the idea of inviting a foreign singer because we should celebrate our holidays traditionally,” said sophomore Betelehem Mesfin. “The government is trying to get rid of the poor people just because tourists and ambassadors were visiting for the celebrations and that is inhumane.”

Since 2001, 9/11 has taken on a rather negative connotation and not many people know that the date is also the Ethiopian New Year, Enkutatash. Ethiopians follow the Julian calendar, which contains a13 month, Puagme, that has only five days, six in a leap year. When the thirteenth month is five days, Enkutatash is celebrated on September 11 of the Gregorian calendar, on the traditional calendar of America.

When it is six days, New Year is celebrated on September 12. This year the Ethiopian millennium was celebrated on September 12, seven years after the Gregorian calendar entered the third millennium.

“It feels strange to say ‘2000’because I am so used to the nineteen hundred numbers,” said senior Heyla Asrat.

The millennium brings with it new hopes for the country and the idea that the dark ages will end. Despite political turmoil, the politically and economically weakened Ethiopia hopes to expect great change in the New Year.

“I feel a new hope because everyone thinks we are so behind. Now we are on the same page with the rest of the world,” said Asrat. “I believe there will be a major political and economic change because people will have a positive attitude about the future, and that will make the country better.”

Many Ethiopian immigrants couldn’t celebrate the millennium in their respective country, so they gathered in churches and other local areas. Different cities in the U.S. such as San Diego and Washington D.C. were sites for some of these celebrations. Ethiopians who live in the D.C. area celebrated New Year’s with a five-day event that

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From left, Himanote and senior Heyla Asrat celebrated part of the holiday at a church vigil. “I went to church with my family and received a blessing for the New Year,” she said.

started on September 11.

“I think we should consider both events and try to be sensitive,” said Asrat referring to both the anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the Ethiopian New Year. The celebration continued until September 16 and included a symposium on the future of Ethiopia, a musical gala, a soccer competition, a prayer vigil and a march on Washington D.C. to protest the current political condition of Ethiopia.

AHS students with Ethiopian cultural backgrounds celebrated the holiday in different places. Freshman Tsion Negussie attended one of the many church vigil ceremonies.

“I celebrated New Year’s at a church concert and at Crystal City Hotel” said Negussie. “It was really beautiful and I enjoyed the holiday.”

Mesfin went to an Ethiopian resturant with her family on New Year’s Eve and enjoyed the traditional music and dance. “ I went to Dama Resturant on Monday for the celebration, it was a traditional celebration and I was really happy because it felt like I was in Ethiopia. On New Year’s there was family reunion at my house.”

Asrat celebrated the holiday at home with her whole family after a church vigil and called her relatives and friends back in Ethiopia.

“I went to church with my family and received a blessing for the New Year. After the vigil I celebrated the New Year at home, which lasted almost two days. I enjoyed New Year’s at home with my whole family, and called some relatives back home. Even if I can’t be together with my relatives in Ethiopia I always wish them a happy holiday,” said Asrat.

“Most people are not exited about the millennium because of the recent crisis. The country needs a change, especially a political one,” said Mesfin.

Negussie and Asrat share the same optimism for the new millennium.

“Hopefully it will change the country forever,” said Nugussie.

“I hope to see political changes and I am really sure that it will bring better life for everyone,” said Asrat. Even with the negative feelings towards the security threats, in a New Year’s eve press conference the Ethiopian Prim Minister Meles Zenawi said, “A thousand years from now, when Ethiopians gather to welcome the fourth millennium, they will say that the eve of the third millennium was the beginning of the end of the dark ages in Ethiopia.”

The Netherlands Government announced on Friday September 21, 2007 that voters have rejected the EU referendum. It risked the opening of a new division in Europe. Voters in Netherlands and France in 2005 rejected the new constitution in the referendum.As a result the EU was pulled into major political crisis. Most of Europe was waiting anxiously for the decision of the Dutch popular vote. According to Prime Minster of , a referendum is unnecessary.

ASIA Around 1500 Buddhists monks in Yangon, Myanmar went in the protest of the Myanmar military junta for the fourth straight day. According to witnesses, the monks marched to the city, were engaged in chanting sermons and praying for 15 minutes before they dispersed. Their march to the city was due to that fact that the government raised fuel prices. Myanmar is an example of how power lies in the hands of a few unjust officials.

The founder of The Body Shop, Anita Roddick, died from a brain hemorrhage on September 11, 2007. Her chain of cosmetic shops produced all natural make up that was not tested on animals.

Her interests in the environment and animal rights were reflected in her decision to produce cosmetics for the environmentally conscious. Once she started a family, she created The Body Shop. From her travels, she learned of beauty secrets of women of other cultures and applied those customs to her the products available in her first shop, which opened in Brighton, England. Initially all of the ingredients used in her products were common by household items. By 1984, her shops were located all over England and are now worth about $200 million.

Bad make-up habits Not washing your hands Make sure your hands are clean before applying make up. Your fingertips are usually oily and could clog your pores and cause your skin to breakout.

Not washing your face before bed Washing your face before you sleep is critical, if you do not, the make up smears all over your pillow and can clog pores.

Sharing your make up Sharing your make up is a bad habit because it will allow someone elses bacteria to contaminate your make up kit, this can cause serious eye infections such as pink eye.

Keeping make up for too long Generally you should not keep make up for more than a year. Throw away your old make up as well as make up that has caused any infections, even if the infection has gone away, bacteria can continue to live in the make up and irriate your skin.

Failing to keep make up equipment clean Keeping your brushes and other make up equipment clean is a good habit. Make sure you clean equipment such as brushes under hot soapy water and rinse all the soap out or else the left over make up could irritate your skin. source: www.lifescript.com

Knowing the health risks about makeup, do you consider still wearing it?

—Georgia Garney freshman

BY CARLOS GALICIA Staff Writer Every day thousands of teenage girls awake to find that their faces do not look as radiant as they could. Wanting to look attractive, many of these girls look to makeup as a means of concealing their imperfections.

However, many of them fail to consider the fact that their make-up may actually be harming them. Many users of makeup have suffered from sore, itchy or watery eyes without ever wondering whether their makeup is to blame.

“Now I know why my eyes have been so irritated, wow, it is so crazy, but I mean it is not as bad as the foundation,” said junior Karima El-khatib.

The College of Optometrists found that despite spending a fortune on make-up, many women don’t consider the hygiene issues that are associated with the products they use.

“I think make-up is pretty safe. It also depends on your skin, but for me, I know what my skin can handle and what it can’t. I know what cleanser to use and it’s good for me and it doesn’t cause me any problems,” said El-khatib.

So what is the problem with all these mascaras, foundations, and other cosmetics? If a make-up user learned about the potential side effects, would they not consider changing their habits?

“I think I would consider switching my make-up. But I’m not sure if I really would,” said senior Allysa Gray.

Many toxic chemicals are in these beauty products. Some of these chemicals are linked to cancer, birth defects, learning disabilities and other health problems that are considered to be an epidemic in our society. The cosmetics industry says it’s safe to put toxic chemicals linked to cancer, infertility and other problems in personal care products because the amount in each product is negligible.

From toothpaste to soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, deodorant, body lotion, shaving products and make-up, imagine how many products the average consumer uses in a single year, not to mention their lifetime. The small amounts of toxic chemicals contained in some of these products can add up overtime.

Major loopholes in federal law prevent the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other government agency from approving the safety of cosmetics and body care before they can be sold.

“The government should be protecting us, by ensuring that these cosmetics are safe for the use of the people, but they are not,” said senior Mitchelle Abanez.

Few ingredients have been assessed for their long-term health impacts, but those that have are still allowed in cosmetics. Take mercury, nearly everyone knows it can be deadly, but thimersal, a closely related chemical substance is commonly found in skin care products as are byproducts of crude oil such as lead acetate and other petrochemicals.

While the European Union has banned more than 1,100 or more ingredients, the U.S. in stark contrast has only banned 10 ingredients from cosmetics. According to the Skin Deep report by the Environmental Working Group, one-third of personal care products contain at least one chemical linked to cancer.

The word “natural” on a product label doesn’t necessarily mean that it is safe or natural. Neutrogena After Sun Treatment with natural Soy has earned one of the highSenior Allysa Gray applies her make-up in est hazard ratings of all lotions in the Skin the morning. Gray would consider switching her make-up due to ingredients.

Deep report. How can a product with more

Popcorn lung

“Yes, depending on the product because some products you have used for a long time and you trust them.”

—Chessy Dintruff junior “No, because it could be harmful to my body, and I do not want to risk it.”

—Fareeh Haq senior

Everyone loves the smell of popcorn and many people get the desire to lick all of the butter off their fingers after eating the fluffy snack, but is popcorn becoming a health concern for Americans?

A few popular brands that come to mind are Orville Redenbacher, Act II, Pop Secret, and Jolly Time. Today these are these are also the brands you should be most concerned about. In the past twelve months, these four companies have had an 80 percent market share of the microwave popcorn market and sell 498,000 tons of popcorn every year to snackers around the world.

However, the same buttery taste and smell that makes popcorn such an Act II is one of the popcorns that caused a threat for propcorn lungs appealing snack for so many because of the fumes it produces. people also poses a health threat to those who consume it on a regular basis. Diacetyl, a chemical used in the artificial butter flavoring can cause bronchiolitis obliterans. This is a serious lung disease which has now taken on the name “Popcorn Worker’s lung” after several workers that work with the chemical became diagnosed with the disease.Aside from a lung transplant there is no cure for the disease which causes inflammation and scarring of the airways of the lungs and leads to serious breathing problems.

“I love the smell of popcorn! Either when it’s still inside the microwave or even when it’s down the hall it gives you cravings, ” said junior Ava Blennerhasset. “Now that I am hearing about all these problems I am definitely going to think twice when I smell the goodness of popcorn” Since both the popcorn manufacturer and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have determined that one must inhale a significant amount of diacetyl before acquiring the disease, they have declared that it poses no significant threat to the average consumer.

Recently, the companies who manufacture popcorn met and discussed the situation. They came to the conclusion that a recipe change to butter-flavored popcorn would eventually be necessary.

However, they are still unsure of when this will be done.

“I am really concerned because if the makers of microwave popcorn did not know they were harming their consumers it is a scary thought. I think I’m going to watch my popcorn eating habits in the next few months until I know that all the problems with it are gone,” said sophomore Desmond Lee These recent problems are not the first to effect the popcorn industry. A few years ago, popcorn companies were having problems with the coating on the inside of the bags becoming a hazard upon being heated, but they have since been rectified.

VANSSA CERRO

—Gwendolyn Kennedy sophomore

—Pam Fiel english teacher

Students learn about the harmful truth about make-up and its effects

BY RACHEL BURNETT Health Editor

“No, because I would get worried about an eye infection, or I would make sure the make up was organic.”

“Yes, I would because my make up products are miniscula.”

The real price of make-up

New evidence shows that popcorn fumes contain a hazardous chemical

“No, because it is bad for you.

And I do not want to risk my health.”

Sept. 25, 2007

VANESSA CERRO

Body Shop Founder Dies

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VANESSA CERRO

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HEALTH

Junior Karima El-Katib puts on make-up such as maybelline eyeliner. El-Katib has decided to change her make-up brands since it causes irration to her eyes.

than 10 different ingredients that raise health concerns be sold to the public? Manufacturers say their products are safe. These claims may mean that the company has tested the ingredients it uses but only to determine if the chemicals cause rashes, swelling or other acute reactions. Companies are not required to test the ingredients to determine if they have any long term health consequnces.

“I think women should do something about this. Most women don’t know what is in the make-up they wear, and the cause and effects, it can bring,” said senior Maria Camargo.

One of the most common approaches to make-up that young women are taking is opting to use bare minerals instead of using other unsafe or cheap make-up. These bare minerals are a light powder that contains no oils. This is healthier than standard cosmetics because it is these oils that cause skin to clog, causing break outs, and leading to dry or flakey skin.

“I actually use bare minerals when I do my photo shoots because it makes me look better,” said Camargo.

Whether they apply makeup to hide their flaws or to enhance their appearance there is no need to use make-up that can be harmful to delicate skin.

“I do not wear much makeup at all. I only use lip gloss and a bit of eye shadow sometimes,” said sophomore Zulma Galicia. “I know that if I found out my make-up was in some or anyway harmful to me I would change it immediately. Many people say that bare minerals cost too much, but they are of higher quality than those other cosmetics filled with horrible toxins.”

According to some sources, the claim that ingredients in make-up are toxic is overstated. Students are welcomed to look at the website www.cosmeticsdatabase.com were they can become aware of the ingredients that their make up contains. There is no doubt that both bare minerals and regular make-up each have their own pros and cons for the true price one might potentially pay, true beauty does indeed hurt.

Sept. 25, 2007

PHOTO

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The Galapagos Islands are considered to be one of the most unique and beautiful island chains in the world. The islands are specifically known for the many endemic species that inhabit the 13 large and 8 smaller islands.

The islands are located 1,000 km off of Ecuadorʼs Pacific coast and they are officially named “Archipélago de Colón” in honor of Christopher Columbus. Most of the islands have never been inhabited by humans which makes them a unique snapshot of life with human beings. Tourism is offered to explore the islands, but strictly controlled with all tourists required to have a licensed guide to show them the islands. The A-Blast was lucky enough to get first hand photos of the extremely rare and unique species inhabiting the islands.

The rarely seen land iguana makes an appearance on a sandy beach.

Land iguanas are distant cousins of the of the populous marine iguanas.

13 Interesting Facts on the Galapogos Islands ·The name Galapagos comes from the Spanish word for saddle, named for the saddleback turtles that thrived on the island. ·The islands were formed between 3 million and 700,000 years ago from a volcanic hotspot.

Many of the islands still have active volcanos on them, and the islands are sill growing. ·The islands are inhabited by only 21,000 people, situated mainly in a couple of main cities. Many of the islands are uninhabited. ·The islands are famous for Charles Darwin’s visit in the 1830s. The visit contributed to his theory of evolution. ·The islands are a territory of Ecuador. ·The islands are inhabited by many different endemic species which that are unique to the islands. The endemic animals include both the marine and land iguanas, the flightless cormorants, the giant land Tortoises, as well as the Galapagos penguins.

MATT JOHNSON

A lava lizard basks in the sun during the early morning hours.

The male lava lizards all have a large red neck which they use to attract mates.

MATT JOHNSON

MATT JOHNSON

A male frigate bird inflates his red pouch to try to attract a female.

Curiously if the frigate bird pops itʼs red pouch it will eventually regenerate.

Map of the Galapagos Islands

More Pictures from the Galapagos

A brown pelican obvserves the water below looking for possible prey.

A hummingbird hovers above a feeder in the Ecuadorian cloud forest. To survive a hummingbird must eat its own weight in nectar every day.

MATT JOHNSON

MATT JOHNSON

MATT JOHNSON

Two blue-footed boobies come together during the dry season to mate. Although not endemic to the Galapagos Blue-Footed boobies have become an icon of the islands.

MATT JOHNSON

MATT JOHNSON

MATT JOHNSON

A look down from the peak on Bartolome island. Bartolome is one of the newest islands in the chain which is reflected in its very volcanic composition.

MATT JOHNSON

MATT JOHNSON

Light shines from the east during the early morning hours on the Pinnacle on Bartolome island.

Sunset over Dragon hill on the island of Santa Cruz. Dragon hill is one of the best places on in the Galapagos to view land iguanas.

Top: A group of marine iguanas lay out in the the sun during the afternoon hours. During the afternoon hours hundreds of iguanas can be seen lounging together on the lava rocks.

Below: Galapagos seals show off their playful demeanor in the water often swimming with divers.

MATT JOHNSON

Marine iguanas often rest in the sunlight during the afternoon after hunting in the cold water all morning.

Two Galapagos penguins rest on a rock after hunting in the water. The penguins of the Galapagos live the farthest north of any penguin in the world.

14

Do you think that Fantasy Football takes talent?

“No, it’s just guessing.”

SPORTS XTRA

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Fantasy football frenzy

The players have been drafted and the games have begun, Annandale students start their Fantasy games

BY MARISA TORDELLA Sports Xtra Editor

—Erin George freshman

“Yes, you have to know how to pick your players.”

—Sahnun Mohumad freshman

Sept. 25, 2007

The craze of Fantasy Football has begun at Annandale High School. Football fans of all grades have drafted players, and their teams are now in action. But not all students understand exactly how Fantasy Football works.

First, students who want to play Fantasy Football have to form a league of 8-14 players to compete in. It is free to form a league, which contributes to its popularity. Each league has the ability to make their own rules. Inside every league there is a draft to choose players from the NFL that will be on each manager’s team.

In most leagues owners choose one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one tight end and one kicker. In addition, the owner has to choose an entire defensive team and special team to play with.

After the draft, owners can also decide to trade players. This year there was a rule change and now the owner has to pick nine starting players, up from eight last year.

This is a result of adding an extra starting running back. Depending on how the players do in their actual game in the NFL the owner of the team scores points. Defensive teams

score points based on sacks, turnovers, and safeties. Special teams score points for blocked kicks, blocked punts, touchdowns on punt returns, and touchdowns on kick-off returns.

Individual players score points for passing yards, receiving yards, rushing yards, rushing and receiving touchdowns, field goals, and extra points. Points are lost for turnovers on interceptions and fumbles.

There was another rule change this year so that all missed field goals result in a loss of one point. In most Fantasy leagues only the top four teams in the league make the playoffs.

Key fantasy players #1

#3

#2

Name: Carson Palmer Position: Quarterback Team: Bengals Points: 68

Name: Tony Romo Position: Quarterback Team: Cowboys Points: 64

Name: Jake Delhomme Position: Quarterback Team: Panthers Points: 56

#4

Name: Tom Brady Position: Quarterback Team: Patriots Points: 56

#5

Name: Steve Smith Position: Wide Reciever Team: Panthers Points: 50

What’s your fantasy?

“No, because anyone can master it once you’re told what to do.”

Yavari hopes for a victory with Brady

Arrgueta strives to beat out friends

BY MARISA TORDELLA Sports Xtra Editor

—Andrea Quezada sophomore

“Yes, you have to know the players and how good they are.”

—Janine Rudzinski senior

BY MARISA TORDELLA Sports Xtra Editor

Name: Chester Yavari Grade: senior

Name: Edcel Arrgueta

Who are your key players?

Tom Brady and Marvin Harrison

Who are your key players?

Frank Gore and Tom Brady

Why do you play fantasy football?

I think Fantasy Football is a lot of fun and it’s really competitive. I have a lot of fun competing with my friends.

Grade: freshman

Yavari

What is your league name?

WC League How many points have you scored so far?

250 points

Why do you play fantasy football?

I play because my friends and I are in a league

How many points have you scored so far?

85 points When you’re watching football do you think about your fantasy team?

Yes, because I want to be able to beat my friend, Mario, so I hope my team is doing well

When you”re watching football do you think about your fantasy team?

Yes, I always wonder how my players are doing in their games and I look at their statistics after they are posted.

“No, you’re not doing anything you’re just picking people.”

What do you want your team to accomplish by the end of the season?

I want to beat my friend, Mario, and have a record of at least 500

What do you want your team to accomplish by the end of the season?

I want my team to score an average of 100 points a week and win the championship.

—Jerry Chiles senior

What’s your current record?

2-0

What’s your current record?

1-1

“Yes, it takes a lot of talent to be the best, you have to motivate your team every week.”

—Keith Sholders teacher

NFL upcoming games Sun. Sept. 30 Green Bay at Minnesota 1p.m. Fox Oakland at Miami 1p.m. CBS NY Jets at Buffalo 1p.m. CBS Houston at Atlanta 1p.m. CBS Chicago at Detroit 1p.m. Fox Baltimore at Cleveland

1p.m. CBS St. Louis at Dallas 1p.m. Fox Tampa Bay at Carolina 4p.m. Fox Seattle at San Francisco 4:05p.m. Fox Kansas City at San Diego 4:15p.m. CBS

Pittsburgh at Arizona 4:15p.m. CBS Denver at Indianapolis 4:15p.m. CBS Philadelphia at NY Giants 8:15p.m. NBC Mon.Oct.1 New England at Cincinnati 8:30p.m. ESPN

-compiled by Lyndsay Jacobs, Sports Xtra Editor

Lazar plays in hope to win his league

Medmin scores high early on in the season

BY MARISA TORDELLA Sports Xtra Editor

BY MARISA TORDELLA Sports Xtra Editor

Name: Michael Lazar

Name: Helen Medmin

Grade: sophomore

Grade: junior

Who are your key players?

Brain Westbrook, Jevon Walker, and the Chicago defense

Who are your key players?

Peyton Manning, Randy Moss, Tom Brady Why do you play fantasy football?

I like playing because I’m really competitive What is you league name?

Stormy Monday How many points have you scored so far?

670 points

Arrgueta

What is your league name?

The Nhat Dang Experience

Why do you play fantasy football?

I play because its fun and I love football What is your league name?

Eagles for Real How many points have you scored so far?

200 points

When your watching football do you think about your fantasy team?

Yeah, I always check my players’ statistics to see how they’re When you’re watching football do you think about your fantasy team?

Yeah, I wonder how my players are doing doing What do you want your team to accomplish by the end What do you want your team to accomplish by the end of the season? of the season?

I want to win my league I want my team to win the league What’s your current record?

What’s your current record?

I’m currently first place in my league because it’s a points only 1-1 league Medmim

Lazar

To cheat or not to cheat?

New England’s Belichick’s deals with the wrath of videotaping the Jets defensive signals

BY LOGAN MILLER Staff writer Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots, didn’t cheat. He was taking advantage of new technology and twisted rules like coaches have done since the start of athletics.

According to The Washington Post, in the 1950’s, teams were required to send copies of their practice films to their opponents before By they played them.

George Halas, former Chicago Bears head and coach, used to send his opponents blurred and disfigured films so that they could not tell exactly what the play was.

Teams have sought for advantages since the NFL’s creation.The only difference this time is that Belichick deliberately broke a league rule after being warned not to.

But by the time New Englands defenses play was called so was the Jets offenses. Therefore, the Patriots could not have used the filmed signals to their advantage.

Roger Goodell, commissioner of the NFL, acted too quickly to make an accurate decision; there should have been more of an investigation.

Belichick’s and the Patriot’s punishment was worse than it should have been. Coaches and teams have used tactics to their advantage for years and what the Patriots did is nothing different.

Match point Sports opinion

Logan Miller Michael Craig

BY MICHAEL CRAIG Videographer Last week, the NFL fined Patriot’s head coach Bill Belichick $500,000 (the league maximum) for violating league rules and videotaping another team’s defensive signals. No coach in NFL history has ever been fined such a large amount of money.

In addition, the New England patriots will also be fined $250,000 and will lose future 2008 draft picks. If the Patriots fail to make the playoffs this year they will be forced to forfeit their second and third round draft picks.

If the Patriots do reach the playoffs, they will have to give up their first round pick. Patriots assistant, Matt Estrella was caught videotaping the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator while he was giving signals to his players on the field during the

Sunday game at Giants Stadium.

The NFL rules state that “no video-devices are allowed in the coaching booth, on the field, or in the locker room during the game.” This incident is the first ever report of spying in the NFL. I think that the idea of spying on another NFL team is absolutely unacceptable. The New England Patriots are, in my mind, among the top five most talented teams in the league and are not in fear of having a bad year. Spying on another team for the purpose of learning their play signals is cheating. I have no doubt in my mind that what the NFL did was right.

The team deserves to be punished heavily for their actions and the NFL needs to make an example out of this embarrassing situation. During the off-season, the Patriots gained many talented players and do not need to cheat in order to win their games. I think that it will be interesting this year to see how the Patriots react to their punishment. For New England it’s a lose-lose situation, the playoffs or their first round draft picks.

PEOPLE

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Sept. 25, 2007

15

Student’s Outlook on Islam

YES: 17%

No opinion: 31%

NO: 55 %

Do you view woman with hijab, or head covering, as oppressed?

∞ 58%

of students have a favorable view of Islam.

∞ 26% ∞ 59% of students say their views on Islam have not changed since 9/11.

WALIHA GANI

of students have an unfavorable view.

Niqab: My choice, my freedom Despite the diversity of AHS, senior Nudrat Siddiqui is unique in wearing the niqab, which is an Islamic dress concealing everything except the eyes. After two weeks at AHS, she shares her experiences.

When did you begin wearing the niqab?

I began wearing it May 10, 2005.

What inspired you to wear the niqab?

I had been considering it [wearing niqab] even before I began wearing the hijab [head scarf]. When I went to visit Pakistan for a cousin’s wedding at age 6, my cousin had it on. When I saw her, I just said to myself “this is something I want to do, too.” I admired these women who wore the niqab. My two most inspiring role models—Prophet Muhammad’s daughter and my religious studies teacher at private school had a huge influence on my decision.

Did you plan a specific day to start wearing it?

I wasn’t sure when should I start. I kept asking myself, “When should I start? What time and day should it be?”

I just woke up one morning and said to myself, “I have to do it now before I die.” I asked myself, “If I don’t do it now, I might never get the chance.” A lot of people say that you could start when you get older, but what if you don’t have that time till you get older? If I were to look back at my goals, there would be an empty spot.

What were the first day and the first couple weeks like?

I was frightened— around my friends and family. I wasn’t sure how they would react to it. When I first told my family about it, my family was a bit concerned, only because they wanted to make sure that I would be comfortable with it, too. My cousins and friends at school were shocked, but intrigued by it. The first weeks were hard. I wasn’t comfortable with it—it’s similar to hijab. Any hijabi can say in the beginning it’s hard. But you tell your self to put your foot down and overcome obstacles to reach this goal. After the first two weeks, I went to a mosque for a fundraising barbeque and what happened was that some oil from the meat patties splattered on my niqab. I became so nervous at that moment. I kept asking myself, “Should I take it off or not?” The oil was hot, due to that; I had to take it off.

After that I was so bummed and depressed— I felt like I gave up.

Once you had begun wearing it, did you ever want to quit?

After the oil incident, I didn’t put it back on for that whole day and then wore it on-and-off for a week. My religious studies teacher told me to try it on for two more week and

if I still don’t get comfortable with it, then to take it off. I’m glad that within those two weeks, I had adapted it to it so much. Time is the biggest factor. You just have to live it out—live out the obstacles, the people.

Were you nervous on the first day of school?

I wasn’t nervous because I wore the niqab. I was just a bit nervous overall. I’ve been wearing the niqab for three years now—it’s become a part of me. I had mentally prepared myself—I knew there would be comments and looks, but I was prepared. There are still some worries. I was thinking, “What will happen, will it become a huge issue?”

Have you been taunted or jeered at Annandale?

The most recent one was two days ago. I was in the hallway and someone from the back said “f— ing terrorist.” I didn’t pay attention to it. I didn’t turn around. I didn’t bother with

“

I feel that the niqab and hijab are sources of protection, not oppression. The niqab...is a symbol of not only modesty, but also freedom.

”

—Nudrat Siddiqui senior

it because it’s mere arrogance, mere ignorance. I’m still a person— I still have emotion. I am human; I’m not something else. People just don’t understand. I wasn’t angry at what I was called, but sad because there are just too many misconceptions. But when you wear the niqab, you have to respect people and realize that this is not the norm for them—that they are not used to this dress. But if people just ask me, I’d answer back nicely and explain it to them what it is that I am doing.

What are some of the worst negative reactions you have received from people?

I was at Disney World, waiting in line for a ride and a little girl asked her mom, “Mommy, why is she wearing that?”

Her mom replied, “Oh, she’s a terrorist, all terrorists dress like that.” She was a bit further in line that me, but if she had been closer, I would have said something, not in a rude way, but explained it to her. I understand that she didn’t know, but she could have just asked.

Rashid finds faith

BY NAVILA RASHID Special to the A-Blast

Senior Navila Rashid

After September 11, I would say the world not only knew what Islam was, but knew all the wrong things about what Islam was. I know I did, and it is because of this very reason I chose not to wear the hijab. I felt lucky to not have to wear the hijab, this uninviting and oppressive cloth that seemed to grow tighter around the esoteric neck of the woman who seemed to enjoy such discomfort.

For the next six years of my life, I continued to feel that Muslim women who insisted on covering themselves, asked for their rights to be taken away. Did they not want to conform to today’s modern era?

In other words, I created a façade for myself—a façade that obfuscated my ability to comprehend that a majority of the Muslim women wear the hijab because they choose to, not because they

are forced to.

However, it was due to my ignorance and the ignorance of society, that a curtain was pulled over my eyes. I realized that wearing the Hijab meant freedom, just as Islam is my freedom.

It is my faith and my hijab that has become my barrier, my armor and my shield against the fallacies of the media. I am the flag bearer of Islam and I feel the responsibility to help raise awareness and to educate not only myself, but also both the Muslim and Non-Muslim communities. My faith, Islam, is what prevails, and it is my way of life.

Have you had some positive reactions to it?

Although I have received negative reactions, some people are actually very considerate. This was also happened at Disney World: I was waiting in line and again, a little girl asked her mom about the way I was dressed. Her mom replied, “Honey, there is more than just one culture in this world.” Then she actually came up to me and asked me, very kindly, to just explain it to her daughter.

Do you feel that the niqab oppresses or restricts you in any way?

Women are greatly valued in Islam. The aim is to safeguard them and keep them out of situations that would cause harm to them. I feel that the niqaab and hijaab are sources of protection, not oppression. The niqaab, being the veil is a symbol of not only modesty, but also freedom. When I returned to Virginia after Hajj, I remember I was standing outside the airport and a man passed by me, actually zoomed past me, mumbled something. It took me a good minute to comprehend what he was saying. He had said, “You’re free here, you don’t need to be doing that [wearing the niqab].” You have to understand, it is because of my rights and freedom that I am doing this. If I am free, then why do people say something contrary to my freedoms?

Here, we have this freedom of religion, which is why I do it. I am free.

In this post 9/11 world, do you ever fear being attacked or worry about of what others might think of you?

The only fear I have is of someone pulling my niqab off from the back, but even that is something I am prepared for because it happens, it’s nothing new—I’ve heard many stories of how hijabs were pulled off. Other than that, I know it is not the people who I am aiming to please, nor is it for them that I’ve taken this step in life. If I was conscious of people in matters of religion, I can’t say I would have had the courage to come to a public school dressed like this. But I came here with the intention to learn, that’s my purpose in school, to earn an education and maybe educate others, if they give me the chance. You have to face your fears and accept obstacles that will only strengthen you. It amazes me how one piece of cloth can make all the difference in the world, how it could evoke fear in the hearts of people - fear of a person - fear of a human, as they are human themselves.

∞ 29% of students say their views have changed since 9/11.

This survey was given on Sept. 17 during B, C, and D lunches. Of the 400, 390 were returned.

Islamic Apparel ∞ A niqab, worn by some Muslim women, is a veil that covers the entire face, except the eyes. It is popular in the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf, North Africa, Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

∞ The hijab, meaning “cover” in

Arabic, is a scarf that conceals a woman’s hair and neck. Many Muslim women around the world commonly wear it.

What cartoon character do you associate yourself with?

“Minne Mouse because we’re both short and I love polkadots.”

—Helena Belay freshman

“Blue from Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends because he’s a trouble maker, but has a lot of friends and fun, like me.”

Does the niqab act as a barrier to communication?

For me, no, it doesn’t. People can still hear my voice. It does sometimes because when you’re smiling, people can’t tell.

Children get scared sometimes, but you learn to live with that stuff—if you really want to.

— Interview compiled by People Editor Waliha Gani.

Who am I? • I came to AHS 21 years ago in the fall of 1987 • I attended Lycoming College at Williamsport in Pennsylvania • I majored in English • My hobbies are sewing costumes and clothes, going to the theatre and taking care of my cat • I have lived in Taiwan for two years and traveled to many countries, including Scotland, Ireland and Japan.

• I enjoy creating costumes, reading, going to the theatre and traveling • My favorite music is rock and roll a • I was born in Quantico, Virginia • My motto is “live life to the fullest”

“I associate myself with Pinky from Pinky and the Brain because he’s really slow like me.”

—Abby Cummins sophomore

—Helen Medmim junior

“I can relate with Rocko from the old show Rocko’s Modern Life because he had all types of friends and lived on his own.”

—Jamez Thach senior

Compiled by Waliha Gani If you know the answer to “Who am I,” come to the publications lab.

16 Football Game vs.

T.C. Williams

SPORTS

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Sept. 25, 2007

An atomic meltdown T.C. Williams defeats Annandale for first time since 1999

Coach Dick Adams looks on the field as the Atoms line up.

Quarterback Cason Kynes hands the ball off to running back Jordan Anderson.

After Annandale’s win against Oakton brought the team to 2-0 on the season, it appeared that the Atoms were on the brink of a great season. However, after two losses, one by 49-0 against Chantilly and the other 21-3 against T.C. Williams, the Atoms are searching for answers about what exactly could destroy such a promising season.

Against Chantilly, the Atoms struggled early and often, failing to score against the Chargers. Chantilly, at the time, was ranked second in the region by the Washington Post, and was the champion of the Northern Region last year.

“It was just one of those games,” said junior Shane Doty, offensive guard for the Atoms. “We struggled on both sides of the ball. As well, losing Matt Johnson, Jeff Dean, and Eric Vu had a real effect on our team.”

“It was just a bad game for us,” said senior Eric Cabellos. “We’ve put it behind us, and we are just going to take it one team at a time.”

The game versus T.C. Williams started off as a defensive battle, with the teams scoring very little. The only score in the first half was a field goal byAnnandale senior Matt Johnson. TheAtoms went into the locker room with a small lead of 3-0 and came out looking to stretch it by a touchdown or two, but they were to be denied. The T.C. Williams Titans scored three unanswered touchdowns, ending the game with a final score of 21-3.

Against the Titans, junior quarterback Cason Kynes was the offensive leader for the Atoms, passing for 92 yards and rushing for 103 yards. Junior John Copenhaver ran for 21 yards and Jordan Anderson ran for 24 yards. Although Kynes only completed half of his passes and threw an interception, he had to be used more due to junior runinng back Jordan Anderson’s sickness.

Anderson, who usually starts, was one of the few people who had caught the sickness that was going around the team. Others affected were Seniors Matt Johnson and Jeff Dean in the week before. Matt Johnson and Jeff Dean led the team in receiving versus the Titans, Johnson with 35 yards and Dean with 26.

GREG YOUNG

BY GREG YOUNG AND WALTER SMITH Sports Editors

The Annandale Atoms line up for an offensive play against the T.C. Williams defense on Sept. 20. The Atoms shut out the Titans in the first half 3-0, but lost the lead and eventually the game 21-3 in the second half. This was the Atomsʼ fourth game of the season

This was the first time the Atoms lost to the Titans in eight years. This game was also the first District game of the year. Starting off with a loss is not as bad as it seems, as there are six district games left in the season. There are no more non-district games this year. The Atoms look forward to a rebound in the next game versus the West Springfield Spartans on Friday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m. The Atoms have defeated West Springfield in two straight games, including a double overtime thriller two years ago.

“We’re expecting to bounce back. We are in great shape right now,” said Coach Adams.

The Atoms play their Homecoming Game against Hayfield on October 5 at 7:30 p.m. Hayfield’s record is 1-3 on the year with their only win coming against Wakefield.

XC makes strides

Junior quarterback Cason Kynes is tackled after a first down run.

Junior quarterback Cason Kynes lines up in the shotgun formation.

Photos taken by Walter Smith and Greg Young

AHS Students selected as High School All-Americans Junior Rachael Burnett and Sophomore Sean McKinney were both selected by the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association (NISCA) as High School All-Americans for the 2006-2007 Season. Rachael earned her selection in the 500 yard freestyle with a time of 4:53.22 seconds, which ranks 33rd overall within the United States.

Sean was selected in the one meter diving competition. Both athletes were Virginia State qualifiers this past spring. Rachael won the 500 yard freestyle in the Virginia State Championship while Sean placed 4th in the diving competition. Both Rachael and Sean established new Annandale High School Records in their respective events.

Burnett stayed active over the summer, competing in Senior Champs at the University of Maryland. She swam in seven events, including the 400 meter freestyle, where she raced against World Record holder Kate Ziegler (1500 LCM Freestyle). Rachael placed 5th out of 69 swimmers.

vs. MCLEAN vs. OAKTON at CHANTILLY vs. T.C. WILLIAMS at W. SPRINGFIELD vs. HAYFIELD at ROBERT E. LEE vs. LAKE BRAD. at WEST POTOMAC at SOUTH COUNTY

W 33-3 W 35-20 L 0-49 L 3-21 9/28 at 7:30 10/5 at 7:30 10/12 at 7:30 10/19 at 7:30 10/26 at 7:30 11/2 at 7:30

Golf bounces back

BY CONNER GOOLRICK Staff Writer

BY KYLE KNOCHE Copy Editor Today the Atoms cross country team will compete in their fourth meet of the season, the Patriot All Comers at Fort Hunt Park alongside the picturesque Potomac River of early autumn.

The boys team is led by seniors Tim Hepburn and Matt Ashford and juniors Scott Plunket and Charles Simpson.

The girls team is led primarily by freshmen Natalie Johnson, Victoria Ko and Olivia Ko. “We’re working hard at practice. Sometimes we go on long runs and other times we run on the track. The ones on David Waiter the track are usually a lot tougher,” said senior David Waiter who has participated on the team for the past two seasons. Practices on the track are more rigorous because they generally focus more on the runners’ speed than on their stamina this is usually by doing intense sprints.

All of the top five boys have times of less than 18 minutes and are hoping to make it to districts, and possibly beyond.

“Wakefield Recreation Center is my favorite place to run. I like its various terrain, steep hills and windy trails in the woods. It’s also really close to AHS,” said Waiter. The team runs meets at various courses in Northern Virginia, but practices are mostly run on the miles of trail between Wakefield Recreation Center and Lake Accotink.

“I always love to see how much my teammates and I have improved since the beginning of the season,” said Waiter.

The team, led by coaches Phil Harris and Jessica Raynor, expects to close out the remaining three meets on a strong note before districts on October 24 at Burke Lake Park.

The girls team has a strong foundation for the future thanks in large part to the aforementioned freshmen and hope to have even more success in the coming seasons.

The team’s upcoming meets include the Oatlands Invitational on September 29, a meet against Hayfield, Lake Braddock and West Springfield at South Run Park on October 9, and the Patriot Festival at Burke Lake Park on October 18.

The Annandale Golf team has been struggling to win for years now. More specifically, they had not won a single match since the beginning of their 2006 season. That changed on September 17 when AHS beat T.C. Williams with a score of 192 to 198, breaking their two season losing streak.

Although AHS lost the next match against Hayfield, on September 20 they proved victorious once again against Robert E. Lee High school, beating Lee with a score of 172 to 217, proving that their first win was not just luck. The pressure of who would be the hero in the winning match would finally subside after the team faced the monumental victory.

“We obliterated Lee.” said senior Stephen Kim, one of the golfers competing at districts.

“It feels like a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.”

Those close to the team are attributing this turnaround to the exceptional play of sophomore Mark Spicer, now playing in his second year for the Varsity Golf Team. In what is a generally accepted sentiment, Spicer is credited with being the primary reason for their recent victories. But he was not alone; other key golfers on the team this year include sophomores Sam Tubb, Nathan Reel, Stephen Novak and Jeremy Gillcash, as well as freshman Gregory Nielsen. With a team of 23, the majority of the team is comprised of sophomores, and there are no juniors. The team jumps from young to old Stephen Kim without much in between. Assuming that the seniors are more experienced, the margin of inexperienced to experienced should be large, but it seems that the most noteworthy team figures are sophomores.

Distircts begins today at Twin Lakes and finish the next day, Wednesday, September 26. The golfers will be missing school to attend Districts, seeing that it is during the middle of the day. Along with senior Stephen Kim, the golfers competing in districts are senior Drew Flowers, sophomore Mark Spicer, sophomore Jeremy Gillcash, sophomore Sam Tubb, and senior Gus Nielsen, totaling six golfers.

AHS field hockey loses in overtime Atoms play tough against South County, but drop their record to 3-5-2

BY EVAN MCGURRIN Staff Writer For the second time in a row, the girls Varsity Field Hockey team has walked away from a one point loss. The overtime 0-1 loss to South County at home followed the 0-1 loss at Westfield. Throughout the South County game, the Atoms controlled possession, but were unable to score against the Stallions.

“We had plenty of opportunities, but we just couldn’t finish,” said Cindy Hook, head coach of Varsity Field Hockey.

This was the Lady Atoms’ fifth loss, moving their record to 3-5-2, but Coach Hook mentions that the Atoms have played well this season, especially in the hard fought game against South County.

“The record does not accurately display the work we have done.” Also, this was only Annandale’s first District game of the year. There are plenty of games to improve their record and make a strong statement in the district.

There are six district games left, and the most notable games are against Lake Braddock, West Springfield, and T.C. Williams. All six games are very important to the team’s success, but these three games are huge. Coach Hook also noted that the game at West Potomac could be very challenging.

Coach Hook remains positive but notes that the district is very competitive. “All of the teams in the district are a challenge. We are going to keep doing what we’ve been doing,” says Coach Hook. “It’s dependent on us.”

The game against Lake Braddock Secondary School proves to be a promising challenge. TheAtoms have a long-

GREG YOUNG

Coach Scott, Coach Edwards, and Coach Adams look onto the field after the Atoms receive a penalty.

Atoms’ Football Standings

Junior Marissa Tordella moves the ball towards the goal against South County. The Atoms lost the game, 1-0, in overtime, dropping their record to 3-5-2.

standing rivalry versus the Bruins and the Bruins have lost only one game this season. The Bruins, led by Coach Diane O’Miller, have won 9 games and lost only one. The most notable stat for the Bruins is probably the number of goals the Bruins’ defense has allowed this season. The Bruins have 5 shutouts and they have not allowed more

than one goal in a game. The Atoms play the Bruins on October 4th at 7:30 p.m.

TheAnnandaleAtoms’next game is versus the Hayfield Hawks on Friday night, September 28. The Hawks are 4-5 on the year, but they play Robert E. Lee tonight. They have allowed 13 goals this year.

SPORTS

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Sept. 25, 2007

AHS greets Anderson

17 ATOMS ATHLETICS A wrap up of the JV and Freshman Sports

Jordan Anderson, a transfer from Arkansas, expereinces some successes and a lot of adjustments to Annandale football

Freshman Football Head Coach: William Maglisceau

BY GREG YOUNG Sports Editor

Record: 0-2

GREG YOUNG

Jordan Anderson gets ready for a play against TC Williams. Anderson did not score a TD against the Titans, which hurt the Atoms in a 21-3 loss to TC Williams on Thurs. Sept. 20.

on our team that was 6-6, at least 300 pounds, and he was only 14 years old. But really, it’s football, and I just go out and play.”

Usually, one of the biggest adjustments for newAHS players is the tough demeanor ofAdams. However,Anderson is used to tough coaches like Adams.

“My coach in Arkansas was kind of similar to [Adams],” said Anderson. “Really, I’m used to it. If he’s a coach and he has to act like that to be successful, then, that’s him.”

AtAHS,Anderson has fit the team very well. Before his arrival, the Atoms were in need of a running back, and Anderson fit the need very well. Anderson can also play wide receiver, quarterback, and linebacker.

Anderson has played at LB as well this season, even returning an interception 68 yards for a touchdown against McLean. At AHS, Anderson’s actual starting position is at fullback, whereas Copenhaver starts as the actual running back.

“BeforeAnderson, we weren’t really decided on what we wanted to do at RB,” said Copenhaver. “We were switching around several different players, including

myself and John McErlean.”

“Basically, I told coachAdams that I could play wide receiver, running back, and a little bit of quarterback. Adams told me that he didn’t need quarterbacks and wide receivers, but that I looked like a natural RB and that there was a need on the team for a RB. So I guess I just fit right in.”

One of Anderson’s major strengths as a running back is his speed.

“Once Anderson gets to the outside, he is gone,” said Copenhaver. “He has really helped to develop both our running and play-action passing game. He has really taken a lot of the pressure off of QB Cason [Kynes.]”

“He’s a natural athlete,” saidAdams. “[Anderson] is a threat to score, so teams have to defend against him every time he is on the field.”

Author Email: greg.young@thea-blast.org

The

Final Word Sports Column

By Greg Young

It is amazing how easy it is to understand how Redskins Nation works.

The fans of the Burgundy and Gold seemingly have the capacity for only two types of predictions: 1. We won last week. We are going to win the rest of our games this season, finish 16-0 and win the Super Bowl. Joe Gibbs is brilliant and has not lost any of his old flair that made the ‘Skins great in the 80s.

2. We just lost last week. The entire season is going up in flames and Dan Snyder needs to sell the team. Gibbs has gone mad, we have too many coordinators, and the defense was awful.

(If anyone doubts me on the truth of any of these statements, merely go to extremeskins.com a message board site where Redskins fans are currently calling for Bill Cowher, the former Steelers coach who led them to a Super Bowl victory two years ago, to replace Gibbs as the head coach.)

My message to these fans is simple: calm down with the dire predictions about the Redskins. The reality is always somewhere in between these boom-and-bust predictions. I can assure you that the Redskins will not finish at

JV Football Head Coach: Marshall Jefferson Record: 1-1

McCarthy

McQueen

Key Players: Ricky Adams, August McCarthy, Nick Choung, Donnie

Can’t Miss Game: 10/25 vs. West Potomac

Record: 2-2-2 Key Players: Aaron George, Brenna O’Neal, Ndidi Obasi

Obasi

Can’t Miss Game: 10/10 vs. TC Williams Coaches Outlook: “We pick up skills quickly,” said Katie Burton. “Other coaches have said that we are the best freshman team they’ve played.”

Players Outlook: “Our team is doing really well,” said Obasi. “We pick up things fast.”

JV Field Hockey Head Coach: Katie Stribling Record: 2-2-1

Senior Miyako Yerick practices her serve in warm-ups before the Woodson game. Yerick is one of the primary servers on AHS. AHS is currently 2-6 and is hoping to improve its record against Centreville and Edison.

Author Email: scott.plunkett@thea-blast.org

Don’t Kill the Redskins Yet 2-14 after their loss on Sunday to the Giants, and to suggest that is to ignore the obvious reality of the current situation.

This reality of the Redskins situation is screaming everyone in the face, but Skin’s fans are ignoring the fact that the team is finally in the middle of the rebuilding process that is about five years overdue. Last off-season, for the first time in awhile, there were no flashy, Deion Sanders-like acquisitions, which were quick fixes to try to rebuild an aging and identity-less team. This year, they are finally building the team from the ground up, using a solid NFL draft strategy and some measured free agent signings to attempt to purify the team from years of draft busts and ridiculous free agent acquisitions.

Now do not let the first two weeks of the season fool you into thinking that this season is going to become a magical one for the Skins. The team won its first game over the hapless, 0-3 Dolphins and an Eagles team that never clicked on offense the entire game. The good news is that the Redskins appear to be sticking with the rebuilding model.

The dividends will not be apparent right away. The team is probably going to struggle mightily at times this season because there are still large amounts of players on both sides of the ball that are new and need significant playing time.

The one person that signi-

Players Outlook: “We’ve done pretty well so far,” said Mizouri. “Our defense is great, but our offense needs more work.”

Head Coach: Geordy Fister

and play at a higher level and come away with the win.

The team hopes to build on their 3-0 win over the Woodson Cavaliers by winning in upcoming games against competitive Centreville and Edison teams. Centreville is 4-1 on the year, with 3-0 wins against South County and Lake Braddock of the Patriot District.

“We have a lot of talent and with teamwork we have the potential to make it to the district and even regional finals,” stated Glenda Ngo. With eight on the twelve members of the team being seniors, and only one underclassman, the varsity team hopes to have a strong year before losing a lot of their top players.

Last year the Atoms finished with a 6-10 record and lost their opening game in the district tournament, being swept in three straight sets. Many of the juniors and seniors this year have that bitter experience still in their minds and they hope to use it to perform better in pressure situations this year.

The team has not started its Patriot District schedule yet, but when it does it hopes to step up their play to get a good ranking for the district tournament.

The Atoms play their next game at Centreville on Monday, Sept. 24. The game ended too late for this edition.

Coaches Outlook: “We are pretty athletic,” said Maglisceau. “We can get outside, and we get players to the ball on defense.”

Freshman Field Hockey

GREG YOUNG

The girls varsity players shook hands with the other team and walked off the court after another tough loss to Westfield.

“We need to work on transitioning faster from defense to offense and vice versa,” said junior setter Glenda Ngo. The team was off to a disappointing 1-5 start to the season. They had eight days to prepare for the challenging Woodson team (3-1). When Tuesday rolled around, the Atoms were ready to play.

After going down 4-0 in the first game, they bounced back with good passing, nice sets, and powerful spikes to win the match three games to none.

“In my opinion our game verse Woodson was amazing. The crowd was great and we were really pumped to try and win at home. We executed everything well and ended up having one of our best games of the year,” said Ngo. One of the Atoms biggest contributors in the win was senior Katie Janssen. Janssen led the Atoms with a barrage of spikes and kills as well as some nice blocks.

After losing their opening games to Oakton and Washington-Lee, the Atoms beat Washington-Lee then went on a three-game slide. “One strength of the team is we have great positive energy and will to win,” said Ngo after the Woodson game.

The team uses this positive energy and will to win to go into games against teams, with a better record

Can’t Miss game: 10/11 vs. Lee

Coaches Outlook: “We are improving every day,” said Mike Scott. “We have a really solid group of running backs.”

Volleyball knocks off Woodson

BY SCOTT PLUNKETT Staff Writer

Key Players: Yari Mizouri, Bob Stevens, Jorge Zeballos

Mizouri GREG YOUNG

Imagine the pressures of being a new student in high school and the adjustments that it takes for everyone to get used to the demands of life at AHS. Now add the demands of being the starting running back on the AHS varsity football team and taking 3 IB classes, all while getting adjusted from a move from Jacksonville, Arkansas, and you will get a glimpse into the everyday life of the newestAnnandaleAtoms starting RB, Jordan Anderson.

“It’s definitely been a change, because I am not used to Annandale,” said Anderson. “However, school has been similar. Realistically, it’s all school and you go to school to learn. What has been difficult has been finding where everything is.”

“He’s been a natural role model for the team so far,” said AHS head coach Dick Adams. “He is very hardworking, responsible, and sets a good example for the rest of the team.”

“He is a really quiet guy,” said junior John Copenhaver. “He doesn’t talk much at all, but he leads by example.”

“He’s fit really well into our team,” said junior Victor Njomo. “We’ve all become friends with him, and coach [Dick] Adams has pushed him hard.”

Anderson has been moving almost all of his life, because of his mother being in the military. He has previously lived inArlington, Virginia which has helped his transition toAHS. However, he most recently moved from Jacksonville and his high school, North Pulaski High. At Pulaski, Anderson started at running back.

“In Arkansas, because it’s the south, you really play a lot of football,” Anderson said. “The kids, especially the linemen, are much bigger. We had this one linemen

fies the Redskins change from a free spender to a more measured team has to be Jason Campbell. In week 10 last year, saddled with a 3-6 team, Gibbs was finally forced to start Campbell, replacing the past (Mark Brunell, who at the time had a respectable season, throwing 10 TD’s against only 4 INT’s) with the future and the unknown, Jason Campbell.

Brunell had had been signed in the 2004 off-season, when the Redskins were in the middle of their free spending habits, but now he was being replaced after three decent, Campbell but never brilliant seasons in Washington. Finally, after I saw the ‘Skins make that switch at quarterback, I realized that the team was moving in a different direction, one that will eventually lead to success.

However, just because the team decided that it was finally time to rebuild does not mean that everything is going to run smoothly. The Redskins still have major issues in NFL draft scouting.

Currently, the Redskins are coming off two solid drafts in which they grabbed Campbell and LaRon Laundry, a safety out of LSU that is looking every bit as good as the Redskins predicted.

Unfortunately, two years of solid draft picks do not make up for the busts the Redskins have had in several of their drafts, including famous ones such as Rod Gardner and Patrick Ramsey.

Simply put, the Redskins still need a comprehensive draft strategy that includes a good scouting system and a clear plan of how to manage a draft.

Want an example of how solid draft planning can help a team’s chances? Merely look 60 miles north, to the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens, in the last 10 years, have put on a clinic on how to draft franchise-changing superstars in the draft, picking players that still have an impact in the franchise, such as Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Jonathan Ogden, and Chris McAlister. The Skins may wish to adopt Baltimore’s strategy of picking franchise players through the draft; the Ravens have made the playoffs three times since their Super Bowl win in 2000, while the Redskins have only made it once.

Overall, the Redskins appear to be on the right track towards winning in the future. However, that future is not now and fans should not expect the team to be good right away. With this rebuilding-yes I know, it is painful to say- the Redskins should be expected to compete, but probably not this year.

Author Email: greg.young@thea-

Key Players: Madaline Irwin, Kelly Del Signore, Jenny Richardson

Irwin

Can’t Miss Game: 9/28 vs. Hayfield Coaches Outlook: “We’ve worked on our passing game a lot,” said Kari Kraus. “We work well as a unit.”

Players Outlook: “We’ve come together as a team,” said Irwin. “We have been a winning machine lately.”

Freshman Volleyball Head Coach: Rick Dunetz Record: 1-1

Franjie

Key Players: Grace Franjie, Diana Herring, Lady Salazar, Allison Warth

Can’t Miss Game: 10/15 vs. Lake Braddock Coaches Outlook: “This is the tallest, fastest, and smartest freshman volleyball team we’ve had in years,” said Rick Dunetz Players Outlook: “We’ve really become a family, we communicate with each other and figure out when there is a problem.,” said Franjie.

JV Volleyball Head Coach: Jason Ruppert Record: 1-1 Key Players: Amanda Krause, Aby Diop, Ashley Swiger, Bethany Mountgomery

Mountgomery

Can’t Miss Game: 10/2 vs. TC Williams Players Outlook: “We’ve progressed very well throughout the season,” said Mountgomery. “We have a great group of hitters and we plan to finish the season strong.”

18 Top Nielsen rated shows from 2006

ENTERTAINMENT

The new season has an influx of shows that will try to share the success that last year’s drama series had

The

Dean’s List Entertainment Review

By Jeff Dean

Top New Fall TV Shows Supporting Actor — Comedy: Jeremy Piven (Entourage) Supporting Actor —Drama: Terry O’Quinn (Lost) Supporting Actress —Comedy: Jamie Pressly (My Name is Earl) Supporting Actress Katherine Heigl —Drama: Katherine Heigl (Grey’s Anatomy) Reality Competition Program: The Amazing Race Lead Actor — Movie or Miniseries: Robert Duvall (Broken Trail) Lead Actress — Movie or Miniseries: Helen Mirren (Prime Suspect) TV Movie: Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee Miniseries: Broken Trail Lead Actress — Comedy: America Ferrara (Ugly Betty) Lead Actor —Comedy: Ricky Gervais (Extras) Lead Actress —Drama: Sally Field (Brothers & Sisters) Lead Actor — Drama: James Spader (Boston Sally Field Legal) Comedy Series: 30 Rock Drama Series: The Sopranos

Top upcoming releases and premieres New Album Releases

Keyshia Cole

Oct. 9 Jennifer Lopez — Brave Kid Rock — Rock and roll Jesus Oct. 16 Jimmy Eat World Chase the Light

Sept. 25 Keyshia Cole — Just like you Foo Fighters — Echo, Silence, Patience, and Grace Oct. 2 Dashboard Confessional — The Shade of Poison Trees Matchbox Twenty — Exile on Mainstream

Jimmy Eat World

New DVD Releases Sept. 25 Babel Knocked Up Oct. 2 Fantastic 4 Oct. 9 28 Weeks Later Evan Almighty Oct. 16 Transformers

New Movie Premieres Sept. 28 The Kingdom The Game Plan Oct. 5 The Heartbreak Kid Oct. 12 Michael Clayton We own the night Elizabeth: The Golden Age

Sept. 25, 2007

Fall TV looks for new hits

1.American Idol—Tuesday FOX 2. Ameircan Idol—Wednesday FOX 3. Dancing With The Stars ABC 4. CSI CBS 5. Dancing With The Stars (Results) ABC 6. NBC Sunday Night Football NBC 7. CSI: Miami CBS 8. Desperate Housewives ABC 9. House FOX 10. Deal or No Deal—(Monday) NBC

Sept. 16, 2007 Emmy Award Winners

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1. Chuck

This new NBC comedy follows a young computer geek, who through an odd turn of events falls upon some of the government’s most top secrets and must be protected by the government.

2. Pushing Daises

This original ABC series, is about a man who can bring people back to life by touching them, but if he touches them again they will be dead forever. The main character, Ned, brings back an old girlfriend, but knows that they will never be able to touch because she would die.

3. Cavemen

The cavemen from the Geico commercials go primetime and move to the suburbs in this new ABC comedy.

4. Private Practice

Grey’s Anatomy fans get to endulge two times a week when surgeonAddison Montgomery left for LosAngeles. She joins a new hospital environment with a pair of recently divorced friends.

5. The Big Bang Theory

This new CBS comedy, which has been inserted into the Monday lineup, is the second geek comedy on the list. The show is about two geeks who are enamored when an attractive blonde moves across the hall in their apartment building.

6. Cane

A new CBS drama about a powerful and rich family, which is full of deceit and jealousy, and as if that wasn’t enough, must fight to stave off a fellow rival family.

Sore thumb? Do you often cramp up because of too much channel changing?

Television executives worked on this affliction for the new fall TV season. A new influx of TV shows paired with successful shows from the past promises a new and exciting fall TV season that will hopefully be the cure to this epidemic. Executives are searching for the rare mega hits that people plan their night around, and are so good that people don’t even need to hold the remote.

Recent years have produced very strong TV dramas such as Grey’s Anatomy, Lost, CSI and Desperate Housewives.

These shows have either lost their flare for the new and exciting, because they have been around so long (CSI), or have Zachary Levi (left), Kate Walsh (middle bottom), Lee Pace (bottom right), and really yet to prove themselves as mega Bill English and Julie White (top right) will all fight for viewers this fall as part hits, for they have been around for only a of the new wave of tv shows premiering this fall. few seasons.All of these young series have Seinfeld. Networks had a knack for finding talented large followings, such as NBC’s Heroes, but have yet to comedians with ambitions of a television show like Ray dominate the entire range of the audience.

Romano and Tim Allen in the 90s, but have been unable All these shows return and are accompanied with a to find that individual since. Instead, this year they rely new wave of dramas that will hopefully share the success on a successful commercial premise (Cavemen) and the of the formentioned shows. Following the success of the past success of two stars Kelsey Grammar and Patricia drama, family, deceit, money and sex themed Desperate Heaton in FOX’s Back to You. Housewives, TV executives have produced two similarly Other comedies use the loveable nerd and an attractive themed shows; Dirty Sexy Money and Cane, which will blonde girl as the premise for the sitcom. try to steal viewers from the same demographic as DesIf these new ideas don’t inspire you to dive onto the perate Housewives, and even Grey’s Anatomy. That is if couch then you can fall back on your favorite show from those viewers aren’t busy watching the spin-off Private last year: The Office, Scrubs, or Two and a Half Men, Practice, which should carry over a large audience from depending on your prefered type of humor.

Grey’s, but spin-offs often struggle to find succes and Two shows that don’t fit in either the drama or sitcom original, despite beloved characters, such as NBC’s Joey category are Pushing Daises and Kitchen Nightmares. (a Friends spin-off).

Pushing Daises is a very original ABC series about a Networks also continue to show that they can’t get man who can bring people back to life by touching them, enough crime dramas with the additions of the seemingly and kill them again with a second touch. ABC did well un-innovative and trite Life (exactly like all cop shows to take a chance on a much more innovative and orignal except a cop served time) and K-Ville (a FOX cop show premise, rather than relying on profitable but hackneyed that hopes to capitalize on story lines related to its setting: shows. FOX on the other hand chose to ride the wave of New Orleans). reality, which had crashed several years ago, with Kitchen What is truly rare to see on TV today, is a sitcom mega Nightmares where they set loose wild and temperamental hit. Ever since Friends left the air in 2004, there has been Chef Gordon Ramsey onAmerica’s worst kitchens so that a lack of a great comedy that reaches and relates to mass he can attempt to fix them. audiences. Will and Grace and Everybody Loves Raymond The new fall TV schedule should inject life into the also bowed out around the same time, leaving television screen this fall, whether it be a new surprise hit series, without a great transcending comedy. or a bunch of duds that make you appreciate the shows Last year’s best comedies have fantastic clicks and that you watched last year. followings, but nothing close to the size of Friends or

Kanye West’s Graduation earns top grade critics perceive him and what his dreams were and still are.

Production is one of Kanye’s main traits. He is not only an artist, but he produces most of his albums like he has done with many other artists such as Beyonce, Jay-Z, and Common.

One song that clearly shows his ambition as a furious artist is “Champion”,”which is credited to be the first song in a long history of music to bring back the long missed hip-hop. The “Champion” beat is a remake of the song “We are the Champions” which presents hip-hop as it should be presented, which is true and real. Kanye raps about

BY OMAR MAYASSI his life, goals and things he realized such as the path his life is going on.

Staff Writer Aside from the depth of his words, Kanye does have quite a few tracks on the new al“The hood loves to listen to Jeezy and Weezy and oh yeah Yeezy. I did it for the glory”. bum which is sure to put the bounce in a party, Kanye sure did when he dropped Graduation on September 11th. Graduation is the like Good Life featuring T-Pain and Stronger, third installment of the college-based albums he has released, starting in 2001. His a remake of Daft Punk’s song Bigger, Better, albums are just like him- controversial.

Faster Stronger. Both are currently on the top Instead of releasing the same songs about a new type of car or girl he has, West has five most listened to tracks in America. decided to tackle bigger and more important issues. West has discussed things in his As for the entire CD, many reviews are songs that others are too afraid to talk about like conflict diamonds and God. ranting that this album is the best of In his song, Diamonds from Sierra Leone, Kanye blasts the diamond industry his three. West said himself that this Kanye West for trading in conflict gems.

Graduation was “the blackest and whitest album Then, on the Jesus Walks track, he makes it clear that you will be reto date.” deemed if you accept Jesus, no matter whether you’re a murder, drug dealer, And as for the record sales of or prostitute.

Graduation and 50 Cent’s Curtis, He also has a very strong sense of self, as shown in one of his tracks, Kanye’s “real and true” music has Everything I Am, from his latest album. West makes it clear that he doesn’t beaten 50 Cent’s Curtis, which many care about anything. “Lemme know if ya feel it man,” says West, “’cause critics say is “The Massacre but with everything I’m not made me everything I am.” A visit to Kanye’s childhood different lyrics”. Kanye showed 50 who accounts for his “Homecoming” featuring Coldplay’s Chris Martin; it is about is original and unexpected and who is Kanye’s controversial childhood sweetheart of chi’ town. not. becauseAs Kanye said, he “always Mr. Martin continuously reminisces of “fire works at Lake Michigan” with has to be unexpected.” his very soulful sound, because “I’m comin’ home again.”

Dreams come and go, but with this very insightful song about dreams Kanye takes his beats and production skills to a new level with “I Wonder.”

Kanye West continues to rock crowds “If you know what it means to find your dreams.” The song then leads into and wow fans with new and original music that made him famous years ago. one of the greatest beats a song has ever had to this date stating facts of his life, how

Newest album builds off West’s hit single Stronger and previous success while also challenging some of rap’s biggest names

B+

Heart’s Needle brings back classic poetry of the time. However, to Snodgrass, these poetic giants found only in the poetry of such 20th century giants as were hardly the masters that others considered them Robert Lowell and the early T.S. Elliot himself.

Snodgrass’s poetic community agreed. Heart’s Needle, to be. He reacted with disdain to the constant sentence fragments and ineffable symbolism in the poems that he along with winning the Pulitzer Prize in 1960, had a encountered, which he considered hardly to be the sacred ripple effect among Snodgrass’s cohorts, and even his art of poetry practiced by earlier poetic gurus. (Later in teachers (who included Randall Jarrell and Robert Lowhis career, Snodgrass could have been said to embrace ell). Snodgrass’s reaction spurred the so-called “Confesthis experimental nature, as he began practicing with sional Movement” of poetry, in which poets began to slide free verse itself. He said about his poetry “I first became away from the metaphysical and philosophical subjects known for poems of a very personal nature, especially and into the deeply personal; poets began to draw their Book Review those about losing a daughter in a divorce. Many of those poetic subjects and themes from their own lives, rather early poems were in formal metres and had an ‘open’ than overarching experiences. Though Snodgrass did not

By Paul Mathis surface. All through my career, however, I have written believe that his poetry fit in to the movement, he did to a large extent influence such confessional greats both free verse and formal metres.”)

In the vast world of classic literary works, few and as Anne Sexton and Sylvia Plath.

In his reaction, Snodgrass produced one of far between are books of poetry. But those that are pres- the most controlled, emotionally powerful poetic Unfortunately, Snodgrass never followed ent are included for a reason. W.D. Snodgrass’s Heart’s works of the mid-20th century. The highlight of up. After Heart’s Needle, he published another Needle is one of these compendiums. It is one of the few Heart’s Needle is the poem the same name, book of poetry, also with a distinct structure, books of poetry that made tracks in its own time; After Experience, but from there he largely went which concerns a daughter lost to Heart’s and, more surprisingly, it was Snodgrass’s first, underground. Now, though Heart’s Needle is Snodgrass in his emotionally tumulNeddle published when he was only 33 (in 1959). out of print, Snodgrass recently published a tuous divorce. Snodgrass investigates It is one of the few books of poetry that actubook of new and collected poems that includes in structured meter and rhyme the ally earns its place in literary history. Unlike the Heart’s Needle in full, called Not for Specialists varied facets of his relationship with poetry books of the 1950s and 60s that gained his daughter, including his past with W.D. Snodgrass (printed in 2006). fame solely for their experimental nature (e.g., Despite the fact that Snodgrass’s later her, which stretches him emotionally and the books of Allen Ginsberg or Jack Keroac), reminds him of the valuable loving connection poetry is lackluster, Heart’s Needle, even to the teenage Snodgrass was attempting to recreate the ear, is insightfully and artistically moving. In the search that remains. great poetry of his predecessors, namely in the form of The beauty and genius of Snodgrass’s poetry in Heart’s for great 20th poetry, Snodgrass provides a distinctive T.S. Elliot and Robert Frost.

Needle lies in Snodgrass’s approach to his emotional in- first place to start.

Snodgrass had a reason for this, after all.After serving vestigation. By strictly removing himself from the experiin the Navy he attended the State University of Iowa, mental nature of his peers, Snodgrass is able to achieve where he studied under many of the “great” poetic minds that incredible connection between sounds and meaning

Paul on Prose

B+

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Sept. 25, 2007

ENTERTAINMENT

The juicy gossip continues Can the new show live up to the book series that entertained millions?

BY AVERY ADCOCK Love, drugs, sex, and book reports; it seems that everyday you turn on the TV another show depicting unrealistic teenagers living unbelievable lives is entertaining the likes of high school kids across the country. But wait, this is not just any show, it is Gossip Girl.

The book series that swept up the hearts of teenage girls everywhere is now a TV show on the CW network.

I have to say, when I heard that the producers of the O.C. were creating another show depicting teenagers with way too much money and parents who give them everything, I was less than excited.

However, when I heard it was the TV version of the book series, the date and time went in my planner. The premier on Sep,19 not only met my expectations, it exceeded them.

The show depicts the lives of priveleged prep school kids living in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. It seems that life cannot get any better for the pristine and illustrious lives of these socialites, when gossip girl (an anonymous blogger) lets out that someone unexpected is back in town.

That someone actually used to be the most pretty and popular girl in school, the beautiful and rich Serena van der Woodsen (Blake Lively.)

Serena said she was at boarding school, but no one really knows who is telling the truth or trying to cover something up.

Then the vicious circle of gossip really starts. Who is not happy to see Serena? That would be her best friend, Blaire ( Leighton Meester) who knows her boyfriend, Nate (Chace Crawford) has a thing for Serena. As Blaire soon finds out, there is much more than that between them.

Tension is rising between everyone and it seems that some juicy details about relationships and unknown conquests are about to be revealed.

Where better can everything come to a head,

than an amazing hotel party with no drinking limits?

The first episode holds more drama and scandal than the O.C. had in a season. It also helps that this cast happens to be the hottest group of teenagers any high school has ever seen.

The production on Gossip Girl is amazing. The storyline is meaty and always keeps you on your toes. The show is narrated by the infamous gossip girl (Kristen Bell), who seems to know everything about everyone else’s business.

We all love to believe that we too, could live the scandalous lives of these heirs to trust funds, but at least we have Gossip Girl. The O.C. is canceled and no one really knows about One Tree Hill so I predict Gossip Girl to be our new guiltiest pleasure.

Surprisingly all of the actors are entertaining, talented, and not horrible to look at by any means. I read the book series and the actors seem to be pretty true to the book characters. If you have not read at least one of the books you have at least heard of the Gossip Girl phenomenon.

If you have been living under a rock for a year and have not heard of or read Gossip Girl do not miss this chance to watch teenage drama at its best.

The show is definitely up to the book’s standards. The truth is gossip is a way of life in high school. This show takes that to the extreme, in a good way.

This is definitely a must-see Wednesday night hit.

In the lives of these prepsters, a little gossip can’t wont hurt anybody.

Gossip Girl, Wednesdays at 9 P.M. on CW

Meet the new “O.C.” cast of Gossip Girl

19 New Movie Releases 1. Good Luck Chuck 2. Resident Evil: Extinction 3. Sydney White 4. The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford 5. Into the Wild 6. The Jane Austen Book Club 7. The Last Winter

Horoscopes Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Tend carefully to your relationships this week, as the people around you are feeling the wrath of your unhappiness. Don’t overanalyze things and make simple solutions.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Try not to make any harsh decisions regarding money. Your judgment regarding money is at low levels this month. Your love life is going to get much better this month.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

Spend today with someone special. Plan something unique with that person. Make sure to be yourself. Don’t let anything get you down this month. You gather strength from rest.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

Blaire Waldorf Leighton Meester The reigning queen of her elite private school.

She uses her charm, money, and parents to get whatever she wants.

She used to be best friends with Serena until she found out Serena slept with her current boyfriend, Nate. She is a hopeless romantic that looks past her boyfriend’s many sexual conquests.

She is insecure at times but doesn’t let anyone stand in her way.

Everyone wants to be her, except herself.

Serena van der Woodsen Blake Lively No one really knows where Serena disappeared to, but gossip girl is sure to find out.

The bad girl of the bunch, she suprises those who think she will only hang out with the popular.

Despite the constant attention from the opposite sex, she longs for a true romance.

Alcohol has got her into trouble before but she says she has changed.After her parents get divorced Serena is on edge.

Jenny Humphrey Taylor Momsen

Dan Humphrey Penn Badgley

Chuck Bass Ed Westwick

Nate Archibald Chace Crawford

A new freshman, Jenny would like nothing more than to be part of the popular kids.

An aspiring artist, she sometimes hides who she truely is to gain recognition. Her brother, Dan Humphrey watches her back, despite the many embarassing errors she makes.

A long time follower of Serena, she aspires to be exactly like her. Will this longing to belong get her into some big trouble?

Dan is Jenny’s older brother and is an outsider of the popular crew. He is a sensitive chain-smoker and poet who feels things deeper than most.

A hopeless romantic, he strives to truely connect with the right girl.

Dan is very close to his father because him mother is out of the picture.

Without the wealth of the rest of the kids he feels like an loner. However, he does not stay on the outside for long.

Chuck is obsessed with exactly two things: sex and alcohol. Chuck is not exactly the best guy to bring home to dad.

He sees the worst in every situation but is also very sensitive. School is the lowest on his list of things to do, and later it comes back to him.

No one really likes him, but has to deal with it because of his insance wealth and parents. He parties everynight and doesn’t care who he hurts in the way.

Nate is the best looking guy at his school, along with longtime girlfriend Blaire.

You can see early on that Blaire does not make him happy. Serena and Nate have a history, along with a host of other girls Blaire does not know about.

He thinks lacrosse will send him to Yale, but problems with drugs and relationships bring him hardships. Both of his parents are socialites and he constantly struggles to meet their expectations.

A pattern repeats, but this time you’re conscious of it. Take today to better your health.

Work towards helping both your body and mind.

Your spirit will guide you this month.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18)

You test the extent of your own power.

Relationship tricks that once worked well for you won’t work again. You don’t need to be tricky, just be honest.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Today, simplicity is the key to your happiness. Take one thing at a time. Avoid complex situations and focus on your favorite activites and people this month.

Aries (March 21-April19)

50 Cent’s “Curtis” not worth a penny Ave’s Favs Entertainment Review

By Avery Adcock Where are Dr. Dre and Eminem when you need them?

50 Cent probably wishes G-Unit and the host of other “gangsters” gave him a little more help on his latest effort, if that is what you want to call it.

Not only was I unimpressed, I was severely disappointed. I can still remember having “In Da Club” stuck in my head for days. However, in “Curtis” the hard-core lyrics and lack of pop-like beats that made him famous made me want to stop listening. The only songs that are worth listening to are “I get money” and “Ayo Technology.”

Ironically this was supposed to be 50’s best effort yet

is all over the place. as he separated himself as a solo artist.The The album starts with “My Gun Go Off” fact is 50 simply cannot do it by himself. He and then continues with “I’d Still Kill” and needs to team back up with the people who “Man Down” which actually starts with “Ill made him famous. murder them.” Everyone knows that 50 is Honestly, people are tired of hearing that hardcore, however these overly aggressive you got shot nine times and that you will kill tracks are not going to cut it for listeners anyone who stands in your way. Actually it who remember you for, “go shawty, it’s was 50 who snitched on the game, so why is your birthday.” this album all about how hardcore he is?

“All I need” featuring Mary J. Blige is This album was full of what the people better. It is more true to 50’s past songs, but like myself did not want; unnecessary that is about it. This album is really going gangster rap.After Kanye West changed the release date of “Graduation” to September 11, 50 called it a to set 50 back. I enjoyed every one of his last albums; how“momentous day in history.” I thought that since they had ever this one is a joke. Simply, I know what 50 cent can do and this one wasn’t his best effort. However, I the nerve to choose September 11th as their release will not lose hope that he can come back from day, at least 50’s album would be entertaining. this one.

I can safely say that 50 Cent lost this battle, both 50 Cent Next time he should stick to the pop-like with Kanye West and America. Actually he was not Curtis hip-hop that made him the money. even close. 50’s 691,000 albums sold did not touch All that is left for 50 Cent after this one is Kanye West’s “Graduation” sales of 957,000. to crawl into one of the graves he has created Kanye’s album had a lot of what “Curtis” did not: and hang onto that gun because this one was hip-hop beats. “Curtis” has no flow and is a serious not impressive. step back from his other works. Every other album has continuity within the tracks; however “Curtis”

D

Sudoku

medium

WWW.DAILYSUDOKU.COM

easy

WWW.DAILYSUDOKU.COM

Fill in the blank spaces in the grid so that every vertical column, every horizontal row and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9, without repeating any. There is really only one solution to each puzzle.

This puzzle is based upon reasoning and logic. It does not require any arithmetic.

You receive so many compliments that you’re compelled to re-gift them! Follow the standard rules of re-gifting. Repackage with a nice bow and give them to someone you know.

Taurus (April 20-May18)

People will disagree with you this month. Rather than fighting agree to disagree. Take on other points of view this month.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

Your happy disposition and fun-loving carelessness catches the eye of someone that you never would have expected. Don’t read into it, just enjoy yourself!

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

Take time for social activites and time for yourself. You are a busy person, but also need some alone time.

Spend a quiet hour alone and then a fun time with friends.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22)

You are a very sociable person and this month you will be busier than ever. You will be happier the more you are doing. You will meet an unexpected someone.

Virgo (Aug. 23- Sept. 22)

Your friends are not only imperfect, they’re a little irritating lately. It would be easy to go down the list of reasons why, but what’s the point? Make the best of it and move on.

What is your favorite aspect of Busboys and Poets?

A

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Sept. 25, 2007

Unique venue attracts many Events at Busboys and Poets

Busboys and Poets is a liberal, artsy hangout that welcomes bookworms and free thinkers

OPEN MIC — Every Tuesday Night 9:00 p.m.

BY CAROLINE MERZ Weekend Editor

“I like the progressive atmosphere and the fact that they show films that inspire social change and discussion.”

—Lauren Jimenez senior “I just like this neighborhood in general.”

CLAIRE BUI

—Steve Gabster Busboys and Poets Customer

Tucked away on the corner of 14th and V Street, a combination restaurant, library, coffee shop, and open microphone lies, opening their doors to a multitude of various ages, activists, artists, environmentalists, teachers, students, and poets.

Achange from the average teenage outing, Busboys and Poets provides a contemporary, warm, close-feeling atmosphere with a multicultural and educational vibe. It is divided into five sections: a bookstore, bar, restaurant, coffee shop, and stage area.

But what makes it so unique?

There are multiple restaurants right around the corner and a Starbucks one block away.

Busboys and Poets offers so much more then a cheap dinner or an overpriced coffee. People are drawn to the location for free Wi-Fi internet, numerous nighttime events, a very Classic art created by owner, Andy Shallal, covers the three areas designated in the hangout: a artistic environment and a very ap- more comfortable seating area, and restaurant, and bookstore. proachable staff. day, in local newspapers, Lindsay informed and eat a full meal.

Manager Timothy Relph believes it “It has a real positive mood, very politihas something to offer everyone of all ages. the world of his meeting with a ‘Negro The area attracts those ranging from high- Busboy Poet’,” according to the website, cal, progressive, open-minded….there’s no stereotype, it’s very artistic and people busboysandpoets.com. school students to senior citizens.

The owner,Andy Shallal, an immigrant can really express themselves,” said host, High school students can benefit from interacting with the people they can meet from Iraq, based the hangout on freedom Lafayette Barnes. Barnes has been emat the hangout. The variety of ages, back- of expression. His theory was that people ployed at Busboys and Poets for nearly a grounds, social statuses, and political views were getting shot and killed for speaking year now.

The bookstore is unique to the setting their minds and this was a unique apmakes it a very engaging atmosphere. because it is run by the company. Teaching Locals, such as nearby resident, Baba proach.

“I really feel that, as a person who is for Change, a cause that encourages young Aidara, make regular visits. “[Today] I came with a friend. He was blessed to be here, I feel that obligation to people and adults to think and challenge asking about fun places to be and go in D.C. make sure that this democracy, that we live themselves. The genres found throughout in, inAmerica, really holds true to it’s values the shelves include books on activism, poetbecause he just moved here,” said Aidara.

Other visitors, such as Steve Gabster, and it’s beliefs,” said Shallal. After dropping ry, literature, children’s books, educational say, “I like this neighborhood in general. out of medical school, he chose to enter the books, children’s books in Spanish, Spanish [Busboys and Poets] is more casual then restaurant business and uses food as an books, and politics in society (mainly in the United States, the Middle East, Africa and the other venues, and the existing neighbor- excuse for people to get together.

“We’re social animals, we like being Asia). hood can feel comfortable here.”

“They are books you wouldn’t find in The hangout is proud to be named after with others and sharing our stories with Langston Hughes, the renowned African others,” said Shallal. It is not intended to a mainstream bookstore,” said bookseller American poet. Hughes worked as a bus- be a contradiction to what this community, Linda Finkel. Finkel has been employed for three weeks now and was drawn to the job this space was all about. boy at the Wardman Park Hotel Upon entering, guests are greeted by because she enjoys working in a bookstore “One evening he placed several of his poems beside the dinner plate of American hosts and are welcome to mill around the filled with diversity and culture.

Poet Nicholas Vachel Lindsay. The next bookstore or grab a table with some friends

“I like it for the relaxed atmosphere and the food.”

—Wafa Khadraoui senior

“I go for the coffee and the poetry readings.”

—Sarah Lewis senior

DREW FLOWERS

Ben’s Chilli Bowl Fri., Oct. 5 6 p.m.

Love Price: $20

1213 U Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009

BY CLAIRE BUI Weekend Editor

Cheap eats and lots of history. That’s Ben’s Chili Bowl, a landmark restaurant located on U Street, next to Lincoln Theatre in Northwest, DC. A popular spot for locals, Ben’s is known for its chili hot dogs, “half-smoke” sausages and milkshakes.

The mom-and-pop restaurant has been an essential to the neighborhood’s past times

Maroon 5

Tues, Oct.16 7: 30 p.m.

Verizon Center Price: $78-$331

since its founding in 1958.

At the time, Washington was officially segregated, and U street was known as “Black Broadway.” The restauant was visited by many jazz greats of the day, such as Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and Nat King Cole. Now, Ben’s Chili Bowl caters to celebrities such as Bill Cosby and Chris Tucker.

After Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, most of the city closed down, but Ben’s remained open. The restaurant was frequented by both police and protesters during the 1968 Washington, D.C. riots.

Inside, there is no table service, but customers can enjoy bright red, vinyl barstools, faux-marble counters, and Motown tunes playing from the jukebox. Main courses on the menu are as cheap as $2.50. The most expensive item is the tuna sub, at $6.05.

Ben’s closes at 2 a.m Monday through Thursday, at 4 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and at 8 p.m. Sundays. Southern-style breakfast is served from 6 a.m. weekdays and from 7 a.m. on Saturday.

Ben’s is now recognized world wide as the place to eat in Washington to experience the real DC, according to The Washington Post.

What’s On The Menu Restaurant Guide

By Claire Bui and Caroline Merz

The Hives Wed., Oct. 17 8 p.m.

Black Cat Price: $12

Kelly Clarkson Wed., Oct. 24 7:30 p.m.

DAR Constitution Hall Price: $41.50

A.C.T.O.R. — A Continuing Talk On Race – First Sunday of the month, hosted by Pamela Pinnock Thurs., Sept. 27 6 p.m.

Rainbow History Project Community Pioneers Exhibit Friday, Oct. 5 8 p.m.

EPIC Book Discussion “The President, Privacy, and Domestic Surveillance” with Pulitzer Prize Winner Charlie Savage

The restaurantʼs main location is located in the historic U-Street neighborhood of Washington, DC.

Busboysandpoets.com 2021 14th Street NW DC, 20009 (202) 387-POET

Other Nearby Attractions

Upcoming Concerts

Common

PEACE CAFE ––Arab/Jewish dialogue group — hosted monthy by Andy Shallal

Pulp

1803 14th Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009

BY CLAIRE BUI Weekend Editor

Pulp is a new store in the U-Street area that has a selection of up-to-the-minute, oneof-a-kind type items. Whether you’re looking for a Twinkie bake set, a card that reads “You put the ‘fun’ in dysfunctional”, a half smiling stuffed monkey, or just a bit of plain stationary, you are bound to find it at Pulp. There is

selection of sides: salad, rice, plantains and black beans, to name a few. A popular favorite is the fried yucca, which is similar toAmerican french fries. The high starch and suger content in yucca helps it become shatteringly crisp on the outside, while remaining luxuriously buttery and slightly sweet in the middle.Yucca, roughly triple the size of a french fry, makes for an ideal medium for the two condiments that traditionally accompany Peruvian-style chicken.

Those two sauces are almost as important as the chicken itself. One is a spicy green chili, and the other is a moderately spicy mayonnaise-based yellow sauce. When slathered on the chicken and yucca, the combination of seasonings produce a flavor nothing short of fantastic. The total fat content in this little dunkfest is unspeakable, but it’s worth the extra thirty minutes on the Stairmaster.

Chicken Pollo is a place where something that is seemingly simple as rotisserie chicken is truly a foolproof dining option. But if even if the main dish doesn’t satisfy your needs, opt for homemade tortilla (4 for $1.00). They are extra thick and come in an irregularly shaped form, housing a few shreds of chicken, along with lettuce, onion, and one of the two aforementioned sauces.

Chicken Pollo is a little Peruvian Pollo a la Brasa place tucked along the side of Little River Turnpike (by Safeway and Exxon.) Even though the hole-in-the-wall restaurant features a treacherous parking situation, Chicken Pollo still offers quality food.

Their menu is brief, as they specialize mainly in rotisserie chicken that is slow roasted in a massive charcoal stoked oven. Golden birds baked to a perfect crisp are the result of the poultry being suspended on a metal rod above the glowing coals.

The meat is unbelievably tender and the marinade is just the right blend of sweet and spicy. Platters can be ordered in half, whole, or quarter sized chicken portions. The chicken is also Rotisserie chicken is slow roasted in a charcoal oven and offered as a sandwich. served in half, whole, and quarter sized portions.

Each meal comes with a

something for everybody here, young and old, and the items range from completely bizarre to highly clever.

Say “see ya later” to the traditional touchy-feely sentiment that is Hallmark, because the greeting card selection at Pulp is just right, with a large assortment of handmade, humorous and gaudy good wishes for any occasion.

Their funky, cute gifts, bath products, wrapping paper, and other trinkets are a little pricey, but the wares are so unique that it’s worth the expense if you find the perfect gift for someone, or even yourself! Pulp showcases art pieces done by both local and established artists, and also has a small but interesting music and book collection.

Bright, amusing and inviting are just a few words to describe Pulp. While the space is limited, its two floors are filled with four levels worth of nifty things to investigate.

Giving back to the community has been important for Pulp and its owner, Ron Henderson. The store has held an AIDS fundraiser, a “Texas hold-‘em no-limit” poker tournament, a Middle School Art reception exhibiting student prints depicting social justice issues, book signings, poetry readings, and other celebrations.

CAROLINE MERZ

Busboys and Poets manager

SUNDAY KIND OF LOVE — Open Mic Every third Sunday hosted by Sarah Browning, DC Poets Against the War

CLAIRE BUI

—Timothy Relph

CAROLINE MERZ

“We attract all types of people.

We had Brazilian week last week— that was interesting!”

“FOCUS IN! CINEMA FOR A CONSCIENCE COMMUNITY” — Hosted by Michael J. Woods – Late night Saturday

DREW FLOWERS

20

WEEKEND

Chicken Pollo is a hole-in-the-wall restaurant but offers quality food.

Location 7302 Little River Turnpike Annandale, VA 22003 (703) 941-5775

Food: Service: Decor: out of 4 stars